LAST UPDATE | 30 Mar 2024

ONE PERSON HAS been arrested by police in Ede, The Netherlands, police have confirmed, after a hostage situation in the town centre earlier today.

Four people had been held hostage by the person for a number of hours. Police, including riot and bomb units, and other emergency services have been at the scene since around 9.30am this morning.

In a post on X, Police in Ede said all hostages have been release and one person has been arrested. It was unable to provide any additional comment.

Police confirmed the ongoing situation in a post on X this afternoon. In a follow-up post, police said there is “no indication of a terrorist motive”.

Earlier, 150 homes were evacuated and residents were directed to stay away from the town centre and seek reception in the town hall. Train traffic has been diverted away from the town since earlier this morning.

Mayor of the town, René Verhulst, called the incident a “terrible situation” and wished for the situation to be resolved “quickly and safely”.

In a statement on the town’s website, Verhulst asked the public to not post and share videos of the ongoing situation online. “The hostages who are now free have the right to peace and privacy. The police also want to be able to do their work properly,” he added.