Arson attack at Microsoft’s Athens HQ

The aftermath of an arson attack in the Greek capital Athens.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, several attackers drove a van loaded with gas canisters and cans of petrol into the ground floor of a Microsoft building.

The attack, which took place around 4 a.m. local time, caused extensive damage to the lobby and ground floor, and minor damage to the first floor - but no injuries.

Police said the perpetrators drove the van through the building's entrance, and then set it alight once inside.

Police also said at least two people wielding pistols and a machine gun kept security guards away as they carried out the attack.

Microsoft said it would now shut its office in the city while it assessed the damage.

In the past, anarchist groups have attacked large international companies with gas canisters as a symbolic gesture against capitalism, but police say it's too early to say who was behind Wednesday's attack.

Travis Brecher, Reuters