The Swedish national bomb squad has rushed to the scene of the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm as what is believed to have been an explosive device was found outside.

Officers from Swedish police said that the device was destroyed by the national bomb squad.

Embassy staff had notified police of the object, triggering a large response from law enforcement.

The device was later detonated in a controlled manner, a police spokesperson told the broadcaster TV4.

Emergency workers walk near the Israeli embassy, on the day an object believed to be an explosive device was found and destroyed by the national bomb squad

Israeli ambassador to Sweden, Ziv Nevo Kulman, wrote on X. "Today we were subject to an attempted attack against the Embassy of Israel in Stockholm and its employees.

"We thank the Swedish authorities for their swift response. We will not be intimidated by terror."

Police declined to give any detail on the nature of the object, or of how it had got into the embassy grounds.

They now confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

Police officers stand near the Israeli embassy

The object was believed to be a hand grenade that was thrown over the embassy fence, landing close to the building, daily Aftonbladet reported, citing unnamed sources.

The embassy building was cordoned off at a distance of about 100 meters.

Chair of the Official Council of Swedish Jewish communities Aron Verständig said: "My thoughts go out to the embassy staff during this incident."

Emergency services attended the scene in Stockholm