France - Hostage situation in Roubaix robbery, 24 November 2015

[gregjrichards]

"Reports say that a group of armed men may have taken hostages in the northern French town of Roubaix.

There are conflicting initial reports on local media on where exactly in the town the incident is taking place.
Local media said the incident took place at around 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT).

Witnesses reported gunshots being fired. Media reports say the neighbourhood has been closed off by police."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34917226

Update

"The town's mayor's office said the suspect or suspects 'carried out a robbery' after which they took hostages. A special police unit has been dispatched, the office said.

Reports suggest the situation began after a number of suspects were stopped at a security checkpoint. According to Reuters, children are among the hostages.

Medical and fire services confirmed that an operation was underway without giving further details.

Roubaix is where the suspected bomb-maker behind the Paris atrocities is originally from."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3332480/Several-people-treated-gunshot-wounds-ongoing-hostage-situation-French-town-close-Belgian-border.html

Please God no more fatalities the hostages and injured are in my prayers.

 

[gregjrichards]

Roubaix situation - Sincere apologies to all early reports suggested a link to terrorism it looks like a bank robbery gone wrong. I hope it is not terrorism related and the hostages and injure survive.