Gunman takes mother and baby hostage in hospital

A man took a woman and her newborn infant hostage today, barricading himself into their hospital room in northern Germany, police said.

Several witnesses said they believed the man who took over the hospital room in the town of Eschweiler, near Aachen, was carrying a gun, and police said they had to treat the threat seriously.

“We have to be prepared for different scenarios,” said police spokesman Michael Houba.

A portion of the hospital was evacuated, as the police and fire department moved into the building.

Authorities said it was not known what the relationship was between the 32-year-old man and the 35-year-old woman and her baby.

No contact had yet been established with the man, police said.