Armed Man Holds Two Women Hostage in Shop in Paris

The suspected attacker has reportedly been identified and is said to suffer from a mental disorder.

A man in his 50s, armed with a knife, is holding two women hostage in a stall on Rue d'Aligre in the 12th district of Paris.

According to AFP, the man, "known locally for having a mental disorder", is asking to speak to Minister of Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti.

Police are not regarding the situation as a terror incident at this stage, according to BFM.

#France The man armed with a knife holding hostage two women in a shop in Paris asked for speaking to the Justice Minister, Eric Dupond @MossadNews @JohnRossomando @rnovoa @Neyrolles75 @Trecy_54 pic.twitter.com/AGmtFBSoNL

— Rosanna (@RosannaMrtnz) December 20, 2021

The perimeter around Rue d'Alligre has been cordoned off, with a local resident telling AFP that the area "between the Faubourg Saint-Antoine and the rue Crozatier" has been blocked.

Situation in the 12th arrondissement of Paris as an armed man reportedly takes two female hostages in a shop

© Sputnik

An investigation is underway and the public has been urged to avoid the area.

Situation in the 12th arrondissement of Paris as an armed man reportedly takes two female hostages in a shop

© Sputnik

The French Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI), along with other law enforcement units, has been mobilised to respond to the incident.

Les effectifs de la @prefpolice interviennent sur le secteur d'Aligre à #Paris12 pour une présomption de prise d'otage. Un périmètre de sécurité est établi.
La BRI est sur place.
Évitez le secteur. pic.twitter.com/wFwQyaZ7TT

— Préfecture de Police (@prefpolice) December 20, 2021

First Deputy Mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire said he was heading to the scene, reiterating calls for people to stay away from the area and follow the instructions of the police.

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© Ruptly