THE US embassy in the capital of Montenegro has instructed people to avoid the area after reports of a grenade attack in its vicinity.

“The US Embassy in Podgorica advises US citizens there is an active security situation at the US Embassy in Podgorica,” the US embassy in Montenegro said. “Avoid the Embassy until further notice.”

Local media reports police have confirmed two explosive devices were detonated near the premises about midnight. Boulevard of Revolution, a major road on the outskirts of central Podgorica, has been closed off.

Podgorica media cite an unnamed source as saying one person died after throwing one bomb, possibly a grenade, before dropping another 20 seconds later.

A Reuters photographer in Podgorica said a police vehicle blocked the street where the embassy is located, adding that no damage was visible.

Montenegro borders the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Europe and its capital is Podgorica. It joined NATO last year.

The U.S. established diplomatic ties with the tiny Balkan state in 2006 after it split from much larger Serbia.

Investigations are ongoing.