French school hostage freed

The man who was being held hostage in a school near Paris on Tuesday morning has been freed, police say. Negotiations have started with the hostage-taker.

Reuters/Charles Platiau

The man appears to have earlier persuaded the hostage-taker to let go his son, whom had had brought to the school, two staff and two other children, while staying inside the school.

The school was being used as a leisure centre during the holidays.

The hostage-taker, who is reported to be a former soldier in his 30s and armed, entered the Charles Perrault school at around 7.30am, taking several people hostage.

Police say they are now negotiating with him and that the hostage has been freed.