German hospital ‘under siege’ as woman, 65, barricades herself inside room & ‘sets off flare’ sparking huge evacuation
GERMAN special forces have stormed a hospital tonight after a woman reportedly broke in and set off fireworks.
Smoke was seen billowing from a room at the Luisenhospital in Aachen as the 65-year-old barricaded herself in and triggered a siege.
A helicopter circled above the hospital as patients were evacuated and elite armed police units from the SEK moved in.
German cops told The Sun: “We are now on site with special units and also with forces from the fire brigade.”
It is unclear if the woman is armed and if there are any injuries or hostages inside the 378-bed hospital in western Germany.
Police did not confirm if the “suspicious person” is alone or poses a threat to others but a cordon is in place and locals told to avoid the area.
Roads are blocked and trains cancelled as the authorities deal with the stand-off, which remains ongoing.
Cologne Police, who are leading the operation, said: “According to current information, a female (65) entered the hospital in the afternoon.
“Shortly afterwards, employees noticed smoke developing near the woman.
“The 65-year-old has now barricaded herself in a room.
“The surrounding rooms have been evacuated.
“Special forces are on site.”
The SEK was founded in 1974 in response to increasing terrorist threats and organised crime activities in Germany.
They specialise in hostage situations, kidnappings, raids and dealing with barricaded suspects.