“A hostage-taking is currently taking place” in the Apple store on the central square of Leidseplein, the Dutch police tweeted on Tuesday evening. For reasons of “safety of the persons concerned”, no further information would be given. Police were called to the Apple store late in the afternoon for an armed robbery, authorities said.
“The police are on site with many units to bring the situation under control,” it said. The alleged robbery then later developed into a hostage situation, as reported by the public television broadcaster NOS. Footage posted online showed a man with a gun holding an unarmed man. According to broadcaster AT5, several local people reported hearing gunshots at the Apple Store.
Several people were released during the evening. They left the building unharmed, police said, without giving an exact number. Media reported dozens of people. It was unclear how many people were in the building and how many were still being held. The Leidseplein was cleared and cordoned off, theaters and cafes on the square were closed. A helicopter was also used.
Source: Nachrichten
