Several wounded in blast at WWI memorial in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Officials had announced at least three people were injured when a detonating device struck an international ceremony remembering the end of World War I at a cemetery in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.

Representatives of several countries, including foreign diplomats, were joining the event on Wednesday, which was held at a cemetery for non-Muslim deceased.

Hours after the incident, local officials declared a Greek national and a Saudi security officer were injured in what they defined as a “cowardly” attack. The British government said one UK national also sustained minor scratches.

The Saudi statement presented by state news agency SPA declared an investigation was initiated and established that many consuls were present at the moment.

An official from Greece, who refused to be named, had earlier stated there were “four lightly wounded, amongst them one Greek”, without presenting further details.

Saudi state television, meanwhile, broadcasted from outside the cemetery and declared that an attack including a dangerous device had taken place, but emphasised that the security condition was now “firm”.

There was no direct claim of accountability and no information on the purpose.

In a joint announcement by the embassies of France, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States – all of which were associated with the celebration ceremony – denounced the strike, describing it.

“cowardly”.“

Such strikes on innocent people are disgusting and entirely without justice,” declared the statement, adding that they pledged their support to the Saudi officials as they investigate the event.

“The annual ceremony honouring the end of World War I at the non-Muslim cemetery in Jeddah, accompanied by several consulates, including that of France, was the victim of an IED [improvised explosive device] attack this morning, which wounded several people,” the French foreign ministry announced.

France has advised its citizens in the country to be “on maximum alert” amid increased tensions after an assailant last month beheaded a French middle school teacher who showed cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in class.

“In particular, use caution and stay away from all gatherings and be careful when walking around,” said a foreign ministry declaration, which was broadcasted to French residents in Jeddah.

The French Embassy in the UAE also announced on French inhabitants to maintain alertness following the attack.