Ede: Suspect arrested after hostage drama in Dutch city

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Police and emergency services are seen amid a hostage situation in Ede on Saturday.



CNN

A hostage in a bar in the central Dutch city of Ede has been arrested, according to local authorities.

The incident prompted authorities to evacuate around 150 homes in the area, local police said. The attacker's motive was unclear, but there was no sign of terrorism, they said.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that the incident took place at a local bar and nightclub, Petticoat Cafe.

Three hostages were released on Saturday morning before the final hostages were released later.

Ede Mayor Rene Verhulst said at a news conference after the incident that the hostages appeared to be cleaners of the bar.

Speaking to Verhulst, state prosecutor Marthyne Kunst said the suspect threatened with several knives and had a backpack, but it was unclear what was in it. He said the suspect was “known to the judiciary” and had already been convicted of a crime.

Authorities will now investigate the suspect's motive and state of mind, Kunst said.

Pictures from the scene show a heavy police presence in the area, including heavily armed officers. De Telegraaf reported that a negotiator had also been dispatched.

Verhulst called the incident a “terrible situation” and said his thoughts and concerns are with the victims.

This story has been updated with new developments.

CNN's Joshua Berlinger contributed to this report.

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