The Raid arrived Thursday early evening in Le Havre where an armed man took hostage, in the afternoon, several people before releasing two later, we learned from the police. A third hostage was then released, according to information from Europe 1.
For the moment, no shots have been fired and no injuries have been reported, it was reported to Europe 1. The man, "alone", is holed up in the premises of a Bred agency, in full center of Le Havre, just 200 meters from the Town Hall, "since 4:45 p.m.", told AFP the communications officer of the Departmental Directorate of Public Security (DDSP) 76.
According to information from Europe 1, the hostage taker, a man, alone, would be carrying a handgun, a pistol. By taking refuge inside the bank, he threatened several people. Six people were initially taken hostage and the first was quickly released, a police source told AFP. According to the communications officer of the DDSP, a second person was released.
A hostage taker already known to the police
The 34-year-old author is known to have a psychiatric history, a source close to the investigation said. He is also on file with the TAJ (Criminal record processing) for kidnapping, forcible confinement and carrying a weapon. The suspect's motives are not yet clear, police sources told Europe 1.
The neighborhood is currently cordoned off by the police and provides a security perimeter. Police officers from the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) and the Raid were called in to carry out this operation.
⚠️Operation in progress in Le Havre - Safety perimeter to be respected pic.twitter.com/gbZ8NeS6QE
- Prefect of Seine-Maritime (@ Prefet76) August 6, 2020