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'Hostages held' in US post office 'Hostages held' in US post office
(20 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.
Local media reports say the alleged hostage taker has fired shots from the building and has claimed to be carrying explosives. Local media reports said the alleged hostage taker was in a wheelchair and claimed to be carrying explosives.
The town mayor of Wytheville, Trent Crewe, told the Associated Press news agency no injuries had been reported. The town mayor of Wytheville, Trent Crewe, told the Associated Press news agency shots had been fired from the building but no injuries were reported.
AP said a team of special police and an explosives expert were at the scene.AP said a team of special police and an explosives expert were at the scene.
Police have cordoned off the scene and advised people to evacuate homes and businesses in the immediate area.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. "It's completely surrounded by police in every direction," said town manager Wayne Sutherland, speaking from his office nearby.
The Wytheville Enterprise news website said the man was being encouraged to speak to a hostage negotiator. "All I can see is blue lights," he told AP.
Local media reported that a police hostage negotiator had been speaking to the man, who had not made any demands and is refusing to give his name.
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.
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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