BREAKING: France’s high-speed train system vandalised, hours before Olympics

Hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, France’s high-speed rail network has been hit by “malicious acts” including arson attacks that have disrupted the transport system, train operator SNCF says.

“This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network,” SNCF told AFP, adding that many routes will have to be cancelled and the situation would last “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted.”

The arson attacks on France’s high-speed rail network were coordinated acts of “sabotage”, a source close to the investigation said.

According to the operator, the French railway sabotage will affect 800,000 passengers.