Suspects have taken multiple hostages at a bank in the western German town of Sinzig in Rhineland-Palatinate, police confirmed to AFP on Friday, with numerous police officers at the scene.
Police said in a statement that there were believed to be "several hostage-takers and hostages inside the bank," and that the driver of a cash transport vehicle was among those being held.
The emergency services were on site with a large contingent in the district of Ahrweiler, the police said.
Police had set up a barrier around the bank in Sinzig, and a spokesperson told the German Press Agency that people who live within the barrier should not leave their homes. For those living outside of the barrier there was no danger.
As of a little before noon, Bild reported that the police special forces had arrived and that helicopters were circling over the city. The police operation there had been running since 9am.
According to Bild's report, the incident started when a money transporter vehicle arrived at the bank, and a man intercepted and threatened the driver. The perpetrator and the driver are said to be in the bank's vault.
As of midday on Friday it remained unclear how many people are being held hostage in the bank, and whether the perpetrators are armed.
The small city of Sinzig is located in the lower Ahr valley, not far from the from the state border with North Rhine-Westphalian.
The nearest major cities are Bonn and Koblenz.
Update: The hostage situation ended on Friday afternoon when police entered the bank, finding two hostages unharmed and the suspects already gone.
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