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'Hostages held' in US post office 'Hostages held' in US post office
(10 minutes later)
Up to five people have been taken hostage in a post office in a small town in the US state of Virginia, say police reports.Up to five people have been taken hostage in a post office in a small town in the US state of Virginia, say police reports.
The mayor of Wytheville, Trent Crewe, told the Associated Press news agency shots had been fired but there were no reported injuries.The mayor of Wytheville, Trent Crewe, told the Associated Press news agency shots had been fired but there were no reported injuries.
AP reported that a team of special police was at the scene, along with an explosives technician.AP reported that a team of special police was at the scene, along with an explosives technician.
Police have cordoned off the scene and advised people to evacuate the area.Police have cordoned off the scene and advised people to evacuate the area.
Three employees and two members of the public were believed to be inside the post office.Three employees and two members of the public were believed to be inside the post office.
A police spokeswoman said the alleged hostage taker was inside an office in the building.A police spokeswoman said the alleged hostage taker was inside an office in the building.
Local media quoted police as saying he had explosives strapped to his body.Local media quoted police as saying he had explosives strapped to his body.
The Wytheville Enterprise news website said the man was being encouraged to speak to a hostage negotiator.The Wytheville Enterprise news website said the man was being encouraged to speak to a hostage negotiator.
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