The Swiss government yesterday said it was “preoccupied” by the security situation in Geneva, a city more famed for its chocolate and banking than for high levels of criminality.

“The federal department of foreign affairs is worried about the deteriorating security situation in Geneva,” it said in a statement.

Swiss media have been fretting over an internal United Nations email distributed on July 21 where the UN security service, citing an attack on the son of a UN staff member, urged its staff to remain cautious when going about town.

“All staff are advised to exercise caution and prudence when out in the evening or early morning hours in downtown Geneva,” it said.

In the press release, which did not refer to the incident, the department of foreign affairs said the presence of international organisations in Geneva constituted a “pillar” of Switzerland’s foreign policy, and that the safety of the city was a top priority for the UN and diplomatic missions.