Lucas Papademos, the Greek former prime minister, was hurt on Thursday when an explosive device went off inside his car in Athens, state agencies said.

State news agency ANA said Mr Papademos was undergoing surgery for abdominal and leg injuries at an Athens hospital.

State TV ERT earlier reported that he also had trouble breathing, but his life was not in danger.

Two of his guards were lightly hurt, ERT said.

"We are shocked. I wish to condemn this heinous act," Nikos Pappas, the media minister, told the station.