Paris street on lockdown after "armed man takes two hostages, including pregnant woman"

Paris street on lockdown after "armed man takes two hostages, including pregnant woman"

The Rue des Petites Ecuries in Paris is on lockdown and there are reports that an armed man has taken two people hostage, including one believed to be a pregnant woman.

Videos and images from the scene show numerous police cars and a cordon put in place on the narrow street in the French capital. An ambulance and fire engines have also arrived and onlookers say the area is on lockdown. French special forces are also on the scene.

A reporter with BFM Paris said the armed man has taken two hostages.
He tweeted: "An armed man is entrenched rue des Petits Stables (Paris 10th). He's holding two hostages. Cordoned off by law enforcement."

Local news outlet France Bleu reports that "the man claims to be in possession of a bomb and a handgun".
Police said the incident did not appear to be terrorism-related.