Ukrainian construction tycoon Vadym Yermolaiev injured in blast in Monaco

An explosion at a residential building in Monaco has left three people injured, including Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev, in an incident that the authorities say was almost certainly an attack targeting the tycoon.

Mr Yermolaiev and his wife were fighting for their lives in critical condition after the explosion, according to reports, while a 13-year-old child was also badly injured.

Authorities said four other people were suffering from shock and cuts as a result of broken windows.

Two adults and a child were taken to hospitals in France with injuries, minister of state Christophe Mirmand said.

The blast happened shortly before 9pm local time after a bag was left outside the entryway of a residence on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla, near the border with France.

He said it was “very likely an attack”, adding that French and Monaco authorities are searching for the attacker, whose motive is under investigation.

Following the apparent attack, a suspect was seen crossing the border into France on foot, and identified via video surveillance in both Monaco and the neighbouring French town of Beausoleil, Mirmand said.

Monaco’s leader Prince Albert II called it “an odious act” and said all the country’s services were mobilised to ensure security.