German police conduct major operation after bank hostage-taking in Sinzig

German police are conducting a major operation in the western town of Sinzig after a hostage-taking at a Volksbank branch.

According to police, the suspect approached a driver of a cash-in-transit vehicle with threats and then barricaded himself inside the building, holding several people hostage, including the driver, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

The incident occurred in the morning when the vehicle arrived at the bank. Special police units were deployed to the scene and the area was sealed off.

Authorities initially reported that several perpetrators may have been involved, but later confirmed there was only one attacker.

Special forces later entered the building and freed two hostages who were being held in a separate room. However, the suspect reportedly disappeared during the operation. Despite a thorough search inside the bank, he was not found.

Police helicopters continue to circle above the town as the operation remains ongoing.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov