Security guard killed in 'heinous and unjustified' attack at the Qatar Embassy in Paris

French policemen guard the Qatar Embassy in Paris after a security guard died. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP)

A security guard has been killed at the Qatar embassy in Paris in a "heinous and unjustified" attack after the suspect allegedly forced their way into the building.

The incident happened at 6.30am local time on Monday at the building which is close to the Champs-Elysees.

The 44-year-old guard was allegedly attacked following an altercation as the suspect entered the building, according to reports by news station actu17.fr.

The suspect, from Sevran, Seine-Saint-Denis, entered the embassy and had a row with the security guard, who died after being assaulted.

The 38-year-old assailant, who is known to the police, was arrested at the scene.

The French prosecutor's office has confirmed the death and has launched a criminal investigation.

"I can confirm that an investigation was opened today on the count of murder," the prosecutor's office said, adding that it was not clear yet if a weapon had been used.

"The circumstances of the death of the guard are yet to be determined precisely."

The Qatar embassy in Paris described it as a "heinous" incident.

"In a heinous and unjustified crime, a security officer from the Qatari embassy in Paris was killed on Monday morning. Law enforcement quickly arrested the suspect and opened an investigation," it said on Twitter.

"We await the results of the investigation and invite respect for the privacy of the family of the deceased. The Embassy expresses its deep sorrow and sorrow following this crime and offers its most sincere condolences to the family of the victim."

The special prosecutor for terrorism cases was not involved in the case, meaning that terror has been ruled out as a motive in the attack.