Stuttgart neighborhood on lockdown over reports of hostage situation at law firm

July 11, 2016 at 11:23

Reports of an unidentified gunman have triggered a large-scale police operation in Stuttgart, Germany. Local news media report of a possible hostage situation.

Citing police, Bild.de reports that an armed-wielding man broke into a building in the eastern part of Stuttgart, presumably a law firm. Citing police, Bild.de reports that an armed-wielding man broke into a building in the eastern part of Stuttgart, presumably a law firm.

Großeinsatz von #Polizei und #SEK in Stuttgart - wir berichten fortlaufend: https://t.co/Dwu9STZrFP pic.twitter.com/SdgCMRHdaj
— SWR Nachrichten BW (@swrnewsbw) July 11, 2016

A woman from a neighboring house is claimed to have seen the man enter the premises and called the police.

#Stuttgart: Police say the suspect has barricaded himself inside a building, possible hostage crisis (@BILD) pic.twitter.com/wPV8Sqbod2
— I.E.N. (@GoldenKrant) July 11, 2016

Police have secured the area around the building and suspended train services in the proximity of the alleged incident site, namely between Ruhbank (TV tower) and Olgaeck train stations.

#Stuttgart: special police forces are on the scene, police say there are possible 2 people inside a Law Firm pic.twitter.com/oYfLXU8dGd
— I.E.N. (@GoldenKrant) July 11, 2016

Witnesses told local media that shots have been heard inside the premises, but police have not confirmed this information.

Reports claim two people are inside, the gunman and, possibly, a lawyer.

#Stuttgart: Special Forces are now trying to contact those inside, local media report citing police (Pictures: BILD) pic.twitter.com/melCheOb3a
— I.E.N. (@GoldenKrant) July 11, 2016

Police are currently preparing to storm the building, but will first try to establish contact with the alleged gunman, local media report.