Many people are being held hostage in the Netherlands.

The incident came after several people were taken hostage earlier in the day and homes in the area were evacuated. It is not yet clear how many people are still being held. Police said there was no indication of a terrorist motive.

Police gather at a cordoned off area during an ongoing hostage situation in the Netherlands. Photo: AP

Several specialist police units were deployed and cordoned off the scene, a building in the town centre, police said in a social media post. They said 150 homes had been evacuated and urged residents to “stay away” from the area, adding: “Stay indoors and don’t come and watch.”

People are being held at the local Petticoat nightclub by a man armed with weapons and explosives, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported, citing unnamed sources.

A reporter for public broadcaster NOS said a remote-controlled robot was at the scene along with explosives units and police in protective gear. Railway operator NS said on its website that some trains had been cancelled.

Hoang Anh (according to De Telegraaf, Sky News, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhieu-nguoi-dang-bi-bat-lam-con-tin-o-ha-lan-post289832.html