A VIOLENT attack has taken place in a factory in Oxford's twin town in South East France, French media is reporting this morning.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price has expressed solidarity with the authorities in Grenoble, which celebrated the 25th anniversay of its links with Oxford last year.

According to reports, one man is dead and explosions have been heard  at the site Air Products, a producer of gas canisters.

It is claimed by French media that a man with an Islamic flag has been seen at the site.

Mr Price said: "It is very worrying.

"I have deep sympathy for the victim and the people of Grenoble, and I would express solidarity for the mayor [Eric Piolle] and the local authorities who will be handling the aftermath of this attack."

A message in Arabic was reportedly found on the victim's head, which had been pinned to a fence.

Two attackers were said to have arrived at a gas factory near Grenoble in a car, bearing banners written in Arabic, and set off explosions.

Several other people are reported to have been injured.

One attacker, who is said to be known to authorities, has been arrested.