Man holds two-year-old girl hostage

A man held a two-year-old girl hostage at a central Brussels hotel for a second day, Belgian media reported.

Police have spoken to the man, holed up on the 17th floor of the Tulip Inn hotel at Place Rogier since Saturday afternoon, but refused to confirm his identity or reports that he threatened to set off explosives. His motives are unknown.

Le Soir daily said the man was the child’s grandfather, adding that he was a tourist in Brussels and spoke to the police in English. The VRTniews broadcaster said the child’s mother had been contacted to come and collect her.

Firefighters and paramedics are also on standby. The hotel and two nearby buildings have been evacuated.