Man held after store hostages freed

Several people were released without injury today after being held hostage for several hours in a clothing store in the German city of Leipzig, a police spokeswoman said.

Spokeswoman Uta Barthel said a 41-year-old man is in custody and authorities believe psychological problems led to his taking several people hostage with a weapon.

She declined to say how many people had been taken hostage inside an H&M store, but said all were being cared for by medical professionals.

Much of the city centre was cordoned by police after they were alerted to the incident, around 12.30pm.