Hostage crisis in Belgium, police unclear what armed men are doing in apartment

Four armed men have barricaded themselves in an apartment in the Belgian city of Ghent, reports the BBC. According to still unconfirmed information, they are holding one man hostage. Police have surrounded the scene, reports the Patria news agency. 

"They are in the building, but it is not entirely clear what is happening inside. This incident has nothing to do with the events in Sydney," said police spokeswoman Annemie Serlippens.

Police are asking residents of the Dampoort neighbourhood, where the alleged hostage crisis is taking place, to remain in their apartments for their own safety.

Ghent police chief Filip Rasschaert told De Standaard that the operation is being carried out with maximum caution due to a possible hostage crisis.

Control of the scene has been taken over by the federal police, Rasschaert said, adding: "They have at their disposal everything they need to successfully end the hostage crisis."