French attack suspect `linked` to Salafist movement: Minister

Paris: The suspect arrested in connection with the attack Friday on a French gas factory was investigated nine years ago for radicalisation and has links to the Salafist movement, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said.

"He was investigated in 2006 for radicalisation, but (the probe) was not renewed in 2008. He had no criminal record," Cazeneuve said.

"This individual has links with the Salafist movement, but had not been identified as having participated in activities of a terrorist nature."