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| The Kinopolis multiplex where the shooting occurred Photo: Graf Foto |
Armed police stormed a cinema in Viernheim, Germany today following reports that a gunman had taken hostages. Up to 50 people were thought to be in danger. The gunman was killed in the ensuing shootout and police report that there have been no serious injuries to the hostages, though some are believed to be suffering from exposure to tear gas.
The incident began this afternoon when police received a call stating that an armed man had entered the Kinopolis complex. The caller reported hearing four shots. It has since been reported that the man was wearing a mask and carrying a rifle. It's not clear whether he intended to kill or simply to rob the cinema, but police have since said that they don't think his motives were ideological or that he was connected with a terrorist organisation. It is now thought that the shots fired ma have been blanks.
