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Belgian police surround Ghent apartment occupied by four armed men Belgian police detain three men who occupied Ghent apartment
(about 3 hours later)
Four armed men have entered an apartment in the western Belgian city of Ghent. Police have blocked off a wide perimeter around the area. Belgian police have detained three men who occupied an apartment building in the western city of Ghent.
Police said on Monday that it was still unclear what the men’s intentions were and whether they had taken any hostages. There were reports that the men took a hostage, who was later released unharmed.
At first sight, it did not appear to be an act of terror, said federal police spokeswoman Annemie Serlippens. “There appears to be nothing political. And it does not seem to be going that way.” The incident was not an act of terror, federal police spokeswoman Annemie Serlippens said.
By mid-morning a big police operation had been set up in the neighbourhood to keep bystanders away from the scene. “There appears to be nothing political,” she said.
More details soon … Four armed men had been reported entering the apartment block early on Monday in the Dampoort district, prompting police to set up a big security operation to keep bystanders away.
After several hours, at least two men left the building with their hands up.
It was unclear how the third man came out or whether police were still looking for more suspects.