Police have reported that several individuals were taken hostage in a town in central Netherlands on Saturday, resulting in the evacuation of homes and the closure of the town center.
 
"A hostage situation involving several people is underway in a building in the center" of the town of Ede, police said in a statement on X.

The exact number of individuals being held hostage is unclear, but local media outlets have suggested that approximately four or five people are involved. Police have removed a cordon surrounding a cafe, ensuring the safety of residents from around 150 homes.

The local municipality's website indicated that the town center had been sealed off, with riot police and bomb disposal experts present at the location.

Dutch police said there was no sign yet of a "terrorist motive" for the incident.

"We see there are many questions about the motive. At this time there is no indication of a terrorist motive," police said in a statement on X.

Police in central Netherlands have reported that three hostages have been freed, but the situation is still ongoing, according to a statement issued on X.

In a related development, Dutch authorities announced the release of all individuals previously held hostage in a town in central Netherlands, stating that a suspect has been apprehended, bringing an end to the incident that spanned several hours.

"The last hostage has just been released. One person has been arrested. We cannot share more information at this time," announced police on X, formerly Twitter.

This is a developing story...