Arson damages Chinese consulate in San Francisco
The attacker poured "two buckets of gasoline onto the front door of the consulate.
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - An arson attack on the Chinese consulate in San Francisco has caused severe damage, the consulate said, urging US authorities to protect diplomatic personnel.
The attacker poured "two buckets of gasoline onto the front door of the consulate, and then set it on fire" on Wednesday night, leaving it "severely damaged," said a statement on the consulate s website.
San Francisco s police and fire authorities, as well as the US State Department s diplomatic security, responded quickly, it said.
According to the consulate, the attacker had parked a van outside the consulate before lighting the fire, but it did not give any other details about the individual.
They did not specify a suspected motive for the attack.
Police confirmed to AFP they are investigating the incident.
The Chinese statement condemned the "despicable act" which poses "a threat to the safety of the consulate staff and the residents living nearby."
"We urge the US side to take all necessary measures to provide adequate protection for Chinese consular personnel and properties, and bring the culprit(s) to justice as soon as possible," it said.
