'Hostage situation' in northern France
Armed men have taken hostages after gun shots were fired in the northern French town of Roubaix, near the border with Belgium.
Reuters news agency has quoted a police source who confirmed the incident is ongoing.
It is not though to be linked to the terrorist attacks in Paris on Nov 13.
"An operation is underway after hostages were taken. Gunshots were fired and the neighbourhood has been cordoned off," the source told Reuters.
Medical and fire services also confirmed that an operation was underway in Roubaix, without giving further details.
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