Shots fired at German ambassador's home

Greek police say shots were fired at the residence of the German ambassador in Athens. Source: AAP

GERMAN Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has condemned an attack on the residence of the German ambassador in Athens, saying the act would not affect German-Greek relations.

"This is an act that we are taking very seriously. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, can justify such an attack on a representative of our country," Steinmeier said in Berlin.

The foreign minister said the assailants would not succeed in "damaging the good relations between Germany and Greece and between Germans and Greeks".

Greek police said shots were fired from a Kalashnikov assault rifle at the residence of Wolfgang Doldt in the Athens district of Chalandri at 3am on Monday.

No one was injured in the attack.

At least 20 shots were fired, according to a report by the radio station Skai. Four bullets reportedly lodged in the garden gate.

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras had telephoned Chancellor Angela Merkel about the attack.

He said Merkel wished Greeks a good EU presidency over the next six months, saying that Greece could count on German support.

A spokesman for Steinmeier stated that the reaction by Greek authorities to the shooting was "quick and circumspect".

The Greek government also assured Germany that security measures would be strengthened at the site and that everything would be done to apprehend and prosecute the culprits.

According to press reports, anti-terrorism police have arrested three people.

The German ambassador's residence was the target of a terrorist attack in 1999 when an anti-tank weapon was fired at it.

Many in Greece blame Germany's stance on austerity measures for their economic troubles