Police said Thursday that German authorities are investigating a case of arson at a Turkish restaurant in the eastern city of Chemnitz by suspected right-wing extremists.
No one was injured in the incident, but 17 people in the building had to be evacuated after the fire broke out as the result of an explosion in the restaurant at around 2:20 am (0020 GMT) Thursday, police said.
Witnesses saw three men flee the scene after the fire broke out.
A police statement said that "a xenophobic motive currently cannot be ruled out" but that they are investigating "in all directions." They urged more witnesses to come forward.
Recent xenophobic protests in the city of Chemnitz - prompted by the death of a German citizen, allegedly at the hands of asylum seekers - shocked Germany.
Video footage that showed people of non-German appearance being targeted on the sidelines of the rallies added to the anger and shed light on right-wing extremist activities in Chemnitz.
A kosher restaurant was also attacked on the sidelines of one protest.
