Berlin  - A firebomb erupted beneath the car of a high- ranking employee involved with the expansion of Frankfurt's airport Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, police announced Wednesday.

Two fire accelerants were found under the company car, which reportedly belongs to the Fraport project manager in charge of the airport's enlargement programme, the police said.

Investigators say there may be a political motive behind the attack, in light of previous opposition to the airport development, managed by Fraport.

Witnesses described seeing a car rapidly driving off from the site, before the Fraport manager's vehicle went up in flames. (dpa)