The Greek government has condemned a pre-dawn, drive-by gun attack on the Israeli embassy in Athens.

“Any terrorist attack hitting at the heart of democracy hits the heart of the country,” government spokeswoman Sofia Voultepsi said.

Police say four people on motorbikes opened fire at the embassy on Friday morning.

Bullet casings were found near the scene of the attack, which happened before the building opened for business.

A witness said he heard shooting at 3 a.m.

Police cordoned off the scene while forensics experts searched the area.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Last year shots were fired at the German ambassador’s residence in the city.