An operation is underway in Roubaix, northern France, an hour west of Brussels. A police source told Reuters that gunshots were fire and the area around the avenue Delory has been cordoned off.

Medical services confirmed that a gunman shot at people and may have taken a bank director and his family as hostages. Children are reportedly among the hostages. There are conflicting reports concerning whether the gunmen is holding hostages at a flat or service station or if the incident is a case of terrorism or armed robbery.

Unconfirmed reports say the situation had started when suspects were stopped at a security checkpoint. Locals say they heard gunfire at around 7 p.m.

It is still unclear if the incident is related to the Paris attacks of November 13.