A parcel bomb exploded in the Swiss embassy in Rome today, seriously injuring the hands of the employee who opened the package, officials said.

Police, firemen and bomb disposal experts could be seen on the embassy grounds, located north of Rome's city centre.

Italian media said the man is a 53-year-old Swiss national and he risks losing both his hands, although his life is not in danger.

The reports said the man is the embassy caretaker, who also handles mail.

"We express full solidarity with the Swiss ambassador and all diplomatic staff, targeted by a deplorable act of violence that merits the firmest condemnation," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in a statement.

"We hope the injured embassy employee can make a full recovery," he said.

A spokesman for the Swiss government declined to comment on the news.

The Swiss consulate in Milan has been put under extra police protection following the blast.

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