German police have caught a suspected hostage-taker at Cologne’s central station and freed the hostage – UPDATED

UPDATE: German police have caught a suspected hostage-taker at Cologne’s central station and freed the hostage, police said on Twitter. Authorities said the situation is “under control” and the teenage women taken hostage is receiving medical treatment for light injuries.

At least two shots were fired when police stormed the pharmacy. Authorities said the perpetrator has sustained life-threatening injuries. A bomb unit is combing through the station to ensure explosives were not installed in the building. Police refused to speculate whether the incident was terror related, said DW’s David Martin.

DW

Earlier

Police have evacuated Cologne’s central train station after reports of shots being fired and a possible hostage situation. Police appealed to locals to avoid the area for the time being.

Unknown assailants on Monday took hostages at the Cologne railway station. The incident apparently took place at a pharmacy within the central train station building.

BBC reports that a gunman has taken a woman hostage at a chemist’s there, German ntv news reports that. The area in and around the station – a major transport hub – has been cordoned off.

Local media reported shots were fired. Authorities have ordered an evacuation of the central station, which is a main hub for trains across Germany and western Europe. They also appealed to locals to avoid the area and warned of likely disruptions to train services.

Police did not offer details into the number of assailants and hostages. They described the situation as “unclear.”

DW