A major hospital in Germany has been sealed off amid reports of a potential hostage situation – with armed police and fire brigades on site. The hospital is located in Aachen, a city which borders Belgium with around 252,000 residents. 

Unconfirmed reports suggest an armed woman is threatening people inside the clinic. 

Aachen Police said in a statement: “The police and fire brigade are currently on duty at the Luisenhospital in Aachen. There are currently indications of a possible threatening situation. The area around the hospital is cordoned off. The police ask you to avoid the area.” 

German news outlet Bild wrote the area is surrounded by “heavily armed police with helmets, protective vests and submachine guns”. 

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