Photo: still from a video from the scene of the incident.
In the Netherlands in in the city of Ede in the province of Gelderland, an unknown person took hostages in a cafe in the Petticoat entertainment center on Nieuwe Stationsstraat. Police forces are currently being deployed around the building.
According to De Telegraaf, according to preliminary data, a man entered the building with weapons and explosives and threatened to cause an explosion.
«We assume a hostage situation , which involves several people,” a police spokesman said. He noted that law enforcement officers will not yet say anything about contacts with the attacker and the presence of explosives, as this could harm security.
There are well-armed police in the city center. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Service is also present. Snipers were also seen on the rooftops and streets of Ede.
Police urge residents of Ede not to come to the center. Part of the city is cordoned off, shops are still closed. About 150 homes were evacuated as a precaution. The evacuated residents were housed in the town hall on Bergstraat, reports Nu.nl.
At the same time, the police admit that the incident is not related to terrorism.