Hostage drama in German clothing store

An armed man is holding several people hostage in a clothing store in the German city of Leipzig, police said today.

Police spokeswoman Uta Barthel said the man is threatening his hostages with a weapon. She had no further information about the weapon.

She said it is not yet known how many people are being held inside the downtown H&M store. The man has let several people go and she has no reports of any injuries.

Ms Barthel says much of the city centre has been closed off by police after they were alerted at around 12.30pm.