Hostage situation unfolds at German bank as police launch operation

Police spokesperson says they could not yet rule out the presence of multiple perpetrators or additional hostages

German police said on ​Friday several people, including ‌one cash transport driver, had been taken hostage at a ​savings bank branch ​in the western town of ⁠Sinzig.

"It is currently believed ​that there are several ​perpetrators and hostages inside the bank," police said in a statement, ​adding that the ​situation was currently "stable". Police also said they ‌had ⁠launched extensive operations and had cordoned off a large area.

The incident was reported ​in ​the ⁠town's centre in the regional state of ​Rhineland-Palatinate at 0700 ​GMT, ⁠police added. There is no danger to the public outside ⁠the ​cordoned-off area, ​according to the police.

Police believe at least one suspect and a bank employee are currently inside the building’s vault area, the Bild newspaper reported. A police spokesperson stated they could not yet rule out the presence of multiple perpetrators or additional hostages.

A man is reported to have approached an employee outside of the bank and threatened him before forcing him inside, and both of the men are said to be in the vault area, according to local media reports, The Independent reported.

A heavy contingent of officers remains deployed outside the branch, where the armored vehicle was left parked near the main entrance. Police urged residents to avoid the town center and to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media.