Bomb explodes near Greek ministry

The last attack caused greater damage and injured at least two

A bomb has exploded outside Greece's Ministry of Development, the second attack on government buildings in the capital Athens in 10 days.

Police told the BBC the blast went off at the back of the building. There were no reports of injuries or major damage.

The area was cordoned off after a Greek paper received a tip-off shortly before the attack at 2230 (2030GMT).

A more powerful bomb went off near the Greek finance ministry building 10 days ago, injuring at least two people.

Nearby cars, cafes and shops were also damaged in that pre-dawn explosion in Syntagma Square, in the heart of Athens.

An extreme left-wing group called the Revolutionary Struggle claimed responsibility for the attack.

They said it was in protest at the government's economic policy and in support of strike action by labour unions.

The timing of the latest attack could be significant, says the BBC's Richard Galpin in Athens.

It happened as the conservative government was preparing to vote on the 2006 budget.