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Hostages taken in armed siege in the south of France after gunmen shoot at police Trèbes siege: France prosecutors treating supermarket hostage situation as terror incident after gunman shoots at police
(35 minutes later)
Gunmen have fired on police out jogging in Carcassonne in the south of France, before taking hostages at a supermarket in nearby Trèbes, firing on police before taking a number of people hostage, according to local media reports. Local authorities are treating the incident as a possible terrorist attack. At least one gunman has fired on police out jogging in Carcassonne in the south of France before taking hostages at a supermarket in nearby Trèbes, according to local media reports.
France’s interior ministry confirmed a response was underway by police and security services. Prosecutors are treating the incident as a possible terrorist attack and police said eight people had initially been taken hostage. It is now thought the hostage-taker is alone inside the shop with a police officer, with all others freed.
One of the gunmen claimed allegiance to Isis, AFP reported, citing French prosecutors. France’s interior ministry confirmed a response was underway by police and security forces while the country’s prime minister said the situation was “very serious”.
Trèbes is located roughly mid-way between Toulouse and Montpellier. The UNSA police union said on Twitter that a police operation was underway after an individual had earlier shot at four officers in the Carcassone region – a short drive from Trèbes – injuring one of them.
Two people inside the Super U supermarket have suffered bullet wounds, the mayor of Trèbes told the French BFM TV channel.
Interior minister spokesman Frederic Delanouvelle told AP there was one suspect and that police were trying to subdue him.
The gunman has claimed allegiance to Isis, AFP reported, citing French prosecutors. Counter-terror officials are investigating, according to Reuters.
Local newspaper L’Independant reported that two men had been involved in the initial shooting.
Police have surrounded the Super U shop in Trèbes and firefighters are reportedly also at the scene.
The town is located roughly mid-way between Toulouse and Montpellier.
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