A hostage siege at a Dutch nightclub appears to be over after a man was seen kneeling and handcuffed by police.
Several people in the Netherlands had been taken hostage by a suspect, who was reportedly armed with weapons and explosives.
Two men, including one in a balaclava mask, were later seen leaving the venue.
One was put in handcuffs by police.
Three hostages, believed to be employees of the nightclub, were seen fleeing the building with their hands above their heads about an hour before the man was detained.
Earlier, heavily-armed officers cordoned off part of the town of Ede and urged people to “stay away” from the area, adding: “Stay inside and don’t come and watch”.
Around 150 nearby homes were evacuated while authorities dealt with “a hostage situation involving several people,” police said on X.
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People held hostage in Dutch town
National newspaper de Telegraaf reported the man who took people hostage was armed with weapons and explosives, citing several anonymous sources.
The report says the man allegedly entered the nightclub at closing time and “threatened to blow the place up”.
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There was no indication the hostage situation is terror related, police said in a statement on X.
Firefighters in Ede. Pic: AP
Images from the rural market town in the eastern Netherlands, which is 53 miles (85km) from Amsterdam, showed police officers and firefighters on the streets in the cordoned-off area.
The municipality said that all shops in the centre of Ede would remain closed.
Before the man was detained, the town’s mayor Rene Verhulst said in a statement: “Three hostages have just been released, but the situation is still ongoing. A terrible situation for all these people.
Police gather in a cordoned off section of the town. Pic: AP
“My concern and thoughts go out to them and their loved ones. I hope that the situation is now resolved quickly and safely,” Mr Verhulst added.
“In addition to my concern for the hostages, I understand that this has an impact on all people who have suddenly had to leave their homes, as well as on the entrepreneurs in the centre, as all shops remain closed for the time being.
“I hope for their understanding, especially on this day before Easter. The authorities involved are making every effort to resolve the situation in a safe and peaceful manner. As soon as more information becomes available, we will share it with you.”
