French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal issued a statement on X, in which he described the attacks as “acts of sabotage” that were “carried out in a prepared and coordinated manner”.

He added: “The consequences on the rail network are massive and serious.

“I express my sincere gratitude to our firefighters who intervened on the affected sites and to the SNCF agents who will carry out the necessary work to restore the network.

“I think of all the French people, all the families, who were preparing to go on vacation. I share their anger and salute their patience, their understanding and the civic-mindedness they demonstrate.

“Our intelligence services and law enforcement are mobilised to find and punish the perpetrators of these criminal acts.”