A hostage situation has been reported in the northern French town of Roubaix near Belgium.
Senior police officials have said that the situation is not related to terrorism.
French news outlet iTele said men have fired at police after an attempted robbery went wrong. It is believed they are currently holed up in a house, holding a family hostage.
Several police officers have been injured.
Speaking to Reuters, a source said: "An operation is underway after hostages were taken. Gunshots were fired and the neighbourgood has been cordoned off."
"A bank director and his family may have been taken hostage."
More follows...
