An unknown group of anarchists staged eight almost simultaneous arson attacks in different parts of Attica early yesterday.

An individual representing the group, which calls itself the “Conspiracy of Cells of Fire – Athens Thessaloniki,” telephoned a television station later yesterday to claim responsibility for the attacks.

The hits, which were all carried out using homemade explosive devices comprising gas canisters, targeted eight banks, an insurance office and several cars. They caused extensive damage but no injuries.

The bombs all detonated within the space of 10 minutes just after 2 a.m.

The same group claimed responsibility for an arson attack on Wednesday night that targeted the political office of former Justice Minister Anastassis Papaligouras. In Wednesday’s attack, a woman suffered minor injuries from broken glass.

The caller said that all the attacks had been staged as a display of solidarity with jailed anti-establishment protesters.