Belgian police have detained three men after reports of a hostage taking in an apartment building in the western city of Ghent.

No one was injured in the incident and federal police spokeswoman Annemie Serlippens excluded any political or terror motive.

"We are sure that it has nothing to do with terrorism," she said. "We think it might be drug related."

Authorities responded to a report that several armed men had entered the apartment block in the working-class neighbourhood. Police set up a large security operation to keep bystanders away.

When heavily armed police officials moved into the building, they found the alleged victim in his apartment unharmed. It is not clear if he had been attacked or held hostage.

Local media reported a previous hostage incident in Ghent two months ago that was linked to extortion.