'Hostage situation' at Amsterdam Apple store — reports

Amsterdam, Feb 23: A large number of police officers were present outside an Apple store in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

Police confirmed that they were dealing with a situation involving an armed person in a shop in Leidseplein, a typically busy square in downtown Amsterdam where the Apple store is located.

Local broadcaster AT5 said police were responding to a "hostage-taking" situation during an apparent robbery.

Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported that the alleged robbery turned into a hostage situation.

Later, police said, "There is currently still talk of a hostage situation in the Apple Store on Leidseplein. We are reluctant to share information for the safety of those involved."

Police urged people to stop publishing footage of the incident for "the safety of those involved and our police efforts."

According to AT5, witnesses said they heard gun shots. "I had to run for my life," one witness was quoted as saying.

NOS said police were still estimating how many people are still inside the shop. According to footage shared on social media, there was at least one person confronted by the armed man.

Police responded to the incident that was reported at around 5:40 p.m. local time (1640 UTC). It was still ongoing two hours later.

Source: DW