Arson attacks on France’s rail network have taken place in what police say is a "massive attack to destabilize the railway system," hours before the Olympic Games begin.

France condemned coordinated “acts of sabotage” on high-speed rail lines, which caused mass disruptions before the Opening Ceremonies of the Paris Olympic Games.

France’s high-speed train lines were targeted by multiple “malicious” acts including arson on Friday, in what has been described as “an attack on France” and “coordinated sabotage” to disrupt travel ahead of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.