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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. Local media reports say the alleged hostage taker has fired shots from the building and has claimed to be carrying explosives.
AP reported that a team of special police was at the scene, along with an explosives technician. The town mayor of Wytheville, Trent Crewe, told the Associated Press news agency no injuries had been reported.
Police have cordoned off the scene and advised people to evacuate the area. AP said a team of special police and an explosives expert were at the scene.
Three employees and two members of the public were believed to be inside the post office. Police have cordoned off the scene and advised people to evacuate homes and businesses in the immediate area.
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.
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.
Three employees and two members of the public were believed to be inside the post office.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this incident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this incident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
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