Police said on Wednesday investigations were underway into an explosion outside the health ministry in Nicosia late Tuesday.

An explosive device was set off outside the ministry building, causing damage to the entrance.

Police said they were informed about the explosion at around 11 pm. Officers responded and extinguished a small fire before the arrival of the fire service.

A police spokesperson said on Wednesday that evidence was being still being collected, which would be evaluated. According to state radio, a group of hooded men were seen in the area shortly before the blast.

Preliminary indications were that the explosion involved the use of a gas cylinder.

Police have not speculated on the motive for the attack on the ministry.

Health Minister Constantnos Ioannou, when asked about the incident during a news conference on Wednesday called it “unacceptable”.