Hostage Situation At Central London Restaurant

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Police are dealing with a hostage situation at an Italian restaurant near Leicester Square in central London.

Officers were called to a branch of the Bella Italia restaurant chain at 8.50pm, where a man was reportedly holding a woman hostage with a knife.

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Met police has confirmed the incident at the Bella Italia, Leicester Square is not terrorist related #LeicesterSquare

— Iolo James (@Iolo_James) February 24, 2016

Police have cordoned off part of the square and the incident is not believed to be terror related

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Sky News reports:

Photos on social media show a large number of police vehicles and dozens of officers, including some in riot gear, in the area and part of Leicester Square has been cordoned off.

It is thought there are four people in the restaurant and the group know each other, according to Sky sources.

Police, who have surrounded the building and have been trying to negotiate with the man, said the incident is not believed to be terrorist related.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Police are in attendance at a restaurant in Irving Street, WC2.

“It is reported a male, who has intimated he is in possession of a knife, is holding a woman against her will inside the venue.

“Two other people are reported inside the venue. Officers are on scene and attempting to engage with the man and resolve the situation.”

Situation between Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road. Lots of police and people trapped in restaurants. pic.twitter.com/vpsEqc4LKf

— James Robinson (@jamesrobinson) February 24, 20

Update: the cordon has now been removed and the situation resolved

The incident at a restaurant in Irving Street has now been resolved and a man has been detained by police. No reported injuries.

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 24, 2016