Major incident declared after multiple people taken hostage at Netherlands bar
Hundreds in a Netherlands town have been evacuated from their homes after a hostage situation sparked a ‘major incident’.
Heavy police presence and bomb removal teams have been seen in Ede, less than 60 miles from Amsterdam, as multiple people have been taken hostage in Cafe Petticoat.
The first reports of a hostage situation appear to have been made around 5.42am, meaning the hostage situation has been going on for nearly five hours.
The person in question reportedly is claiming to have explosives, and a safety perimeter has been established.
Police said in a statement on Twitter: ‘A hostage situation involving several people is underway in a building in the center. That is why several specialist services are on site.’
Locals have been urged to stay away from the town centre and planes overhead the small town also appear to be diverted.
Families who were evacuated appear to be being held in the town hall.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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