Some are taken hostage in a Dutch city

Several people in the Dutch town of Ede were taken hostage on Saturday, while authorities have evacuated residents in the surrounding area, police said.

The hostage situation is continuing, as police said three people have been released.

It is unclear how many others are still being held hostage.

Police said there is no indication that this incident has terrorist motives.

Several special police units have been deployed at the scene, in a downtown building respectively, police said through a release published on social networks. Security authorities added that 150 houses have been evacuated, and police urged citizens to stay away from the area.

Hostages are being held at the nightclub, Petticoat, by a person who has weapons and explosives, the national newspaper de Telegaaf reported, citing some anonymous security sources.

Meanwhile, the transmitter NOS, said a remote control robot was deployed at the scene, as well as anti-competitive units.

In the city of Ede, due to this event, railway transport has been cancelled, the national train operator NS said. /VOA