The man who took hostages in a Dutch nightclub was arrested

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The suspect was arrested almost six hours after the cordon began

It comes to an end after the arrest of a man who took hostages at a nightclub in an eastern Dutch city.

Four people were taken hostage when he entered Café Petticoat in Ede early on Saturday, local media reported.

An initial group of three was released, and a fourth surfaced six hours after the incident began.

Police said the suspect's motive was still unclear and his state of mind was being investigated.

Authorities were alerted to a possible hostage situation around 05:15 local time (04:15 GMT), Dutch broadcaster NOS reported.

Anne Jan Oosterheert, head of operations for the East Netherlands police, said the force arrived at the scene within two minutes.

Authorities said the suspect had a black backpack and several knives, which he showed the hostages.

Residents of around 150 houses around the area were evacuated and the town center was closed.

Mayor Rene Verhulst said the incident “affected a lot of people” and “emotions are high”.

He added that the cleaning staff were taken hostage when the suspect entered the nightclub.

After the final hostage was freed, the suspect emerged from the nightclub wearing a balaclava. The police then handcuffed him and took him away.

Anti-explosive units and police in protective suits were pictured at the scene. Railway operator NS said on its website that trains to and from Ede have been cancelled.

Ms Oosterheert said almost all of the police's special teams had been deployed.

He added that the hostages were being monitored after their release.

“We spoke to the victims briefly. They are very shocked. All care and attention will go to them, in cooperation with the municipality, to get them all the support they need,” he said.

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