Up to three gunmen are said to have stormed a Primark store in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, France, with members of staff believed to have been held hostage.
The AFP news agency reported some 10 people were being held at the store at the Qwartz shopping centre following the incident, believed to be an armed robbery, which happened at about 6.30am local time.
A police source, who wished to remain anonymous, told Sky News: "Around 6:30 am (0530 GMT), two or three armed criminals went into the Primark store for what we think was initially an attempt at armed robbery."
According to french newspaper Le Figaro, an employee is said to have sent a text message to her boyfriend at 4am local time stating "they were being held hostage by two armed men."
Police units surrounded the shop but officials said it was unclear if those trapped inside were being held hostage or were hiding from the gunmen.
Just before 10.45am local time, French special forces are said to have evacuated 18 people from the shopping centre, believed to be those trapped in the Primark store.
Police are said to be questioning those evacuated to ensure the gunmen are not among them but Le Figaro reported the 'two or three' gunmen may have already fled.
The shopping centre is about 10km north of central Paris.
More to follow.
