French police officers have "neutralised" an armed individual who was intent on setting fire to a synagogue.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the incident took place in the town of Rouen in northern France.

Rouen mayor said in a post the Normandy town was "battered and shocked." Local media reports the suspect rushed towards officers with a knife.

According to local authorities, the attacker's identity and motive are still unclear. He was carrying a knife and iron bar.

Elie Korchia, the president of France's Consistoire Central Jewish worshippers body, said police had "avoided another anti-Semitic tragedy".

Regional broadcaster France 3 said fire fighters were on the site. The fire had been brought under control, a Rouen city hall official said.