World

Several hostages taken at German bank branch, police say

By Reuters Reuters

Updated May 8, 2026 6:11 AM

Police officers secure an area during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in this screengrab obtained from video, May 8, 2026. REUTERS TV via REUTERS — Police officers secure an area during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in this screengrab obtained from video, May 8, 2026. REUTERS TV via REUTERS Reuters TV Reuters

A member of the German special police forces prepares during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, May 8, 2026. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen — A member of the German special police forces prepares during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, May 8, 2026. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen Thilo Schmuelgen Reuters

Police officers stand guard next to a police vehicle, during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in this screengrab obtained from video, May 8, 2026. REUTERS TV via REUTERS — Police officers stand guard next to a police vehicle, during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in this screengrab obtained from video, May 8, 2026. REUTERS TV via REUTERS Reuters TV Reuters

Emergency responders work during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in this screengrab obtained from video, May 8, 2026. REUTERS TV via REUTERS — Emergency responders work during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in this screengrab obtained from video, May 8, 2026. REUTERS TV via REUTERS Reuters TV Reuters

Member of the German special police forces prepares during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, May 8, 2026. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen — Member of the German special police forces prepares during operations in response to a hostage-taking situation, at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig, near Bonn, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, May 8, 2026. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen Thilo Schmuelgen Reuters

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FRANKFURT - German police said on Friday several people, including one cash transport driver, had been taken hostage at a savings bank branch in the western town of Sinzig.

"It is currently believed that there are several perpetrators and hostages inside the bank," police said in a statement, adding that the situation was currently "stable".

Police also said they had launched extensive operations and had cordoned off a large area.

The incident was reported in the town's centre in the regional state of Rhineland-Palatinate at 0700 GMT, police added.

There is no danger to the public outside the cordoned-off area, according to the police.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger; editing by Mathias Williams)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 5:26 AM.