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Several people taken hostage in Dutch town: police

A hostage situation involving several individuals has unfolded in the town of Ede, central Netherlands, according to police. The exact number of hostages is yet to be confirmed, but reports suggest around four or five people may be involved.While the motive behind the incident remains unclear, Dutch police have stated that there is currently no indication of a terrorist motive.

Published March 30,2024
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Several people have been taken hostage in a town in central Netherlands Saturday, according to police, with houses evacuated and the town centre closed down.

"A hostage situation involving several people is underway in a building in the centre" of the town of Ede, police said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

It is not known how many people are being held but local media have reported around four or five people are involved.

Police said they had cleared off a cordon around a cafe, with residents of around 150 houses being brought to safety.

The local municipality said on its website that the town centre had been closed off and that riot police and explosives experts were at the scene.

Dutch police said there was no sign yet of a "terrorist motive" for an incident Saturday in the centre of the country, where several people were being held hostage.

"We see there are many questions about the motive. At this time there is no indication of a terrorist motive," police said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.