Four female American tourists have been attacked with acid in the French city of Marseille.

They were sprayed with hydrochloric acid inside the Saint-Charles train station.

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Two of the victims, aged 20 and 21, received facial injuries and have been taken to hospital.

One has a possible eye injury, according to the Marseille prosecutor's office.


The other tourists were hit in the legs, according to French media, and have been taken to hospital for shock.

All four women are in their 20s. It is not known where where in the United States they are from.

Image: Saint-Charles train station in Marseille. Pic: ignis

The attack is not believed to be terror-related as the suspect did not make any extremist threats or declarations during the incident, said a spokeswomen for the prosecutor's office.

But she added that officials could not be completely certain there were no terror links at such an early stage of the investigation.

A police source has been reported as saying the suspect appeared to have psychological problems.

The US embassy in Paris said diplomatic staff at the consulate in Marseille are in contact with French authorities.