Eiffel Tower evacuated by police after man brandishing knife tries to breach security

Paris has increased security at its monuments as part of a state of emergency (AFP/Getty Images)

Paris police have arrested a man brandishing a knife who tried to breach security at the Eiffel Tower, and the monument was briefly evacuated.

The company that manages the tower said in a statement Sunday that no one was hurt in the incident, which occurred soon before closing time Saturday night. The tower reopened as usual Sunday morning.

Paris police say the man tried to force his way past security forces to go beneath the tower, but was quickly subdued. His identity wasn't released, and his motives are unclear. An investigation is underway.

Monuments in the French capital are occasionally evacuated for security reasons, as the country remains on alert after deadly attacks since 2015.