Three women have been arrested by French police investigating a possible car bomb plot in central Paris.

French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said is was likely the trio were planning an "imminent" attack when they were held in connection with a car found near the Notre Dame last week containing significant quantities of fuel and gas.

"These three women aged 39, 23 and 19 had been radicalised, were fanatics and were in all likelihood preparing an imminent, violent act," he said.

One police officer was injured after he was stabbed by one of the women during the arrests in Boussy Saint Antoine, to the south-east of Paris, added Mr Cazeneuve.

Police sources today said the car was contained three jerry cans of diesel fuel in addition to six full canisters of gas, adding to concerns that it might have been prepared as a vehicle bomb.

No detonator device was found however, it is understood.

A total of seven people have now been arrested over the incident.