Dutch nightclub hostage standoff ends after police arrest suspect

Police have arrested a man who held four people hostage at a nightclub in the Netherlands. Officers detained the man after all hostages were released from Cafe Petticoat in Ede, 80 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam. 

"We are exceptionally happy that it ended this way," said Marthyne Kunst, head of the regional public prosecutor's office. "The victims came out safely and we were able to arrest this suspect without using violence."

Police say the suspect was armed with several knives. They did not identify a motive, but said they did not believe the incident was a terror attack. Kunst said the man was known to law enforcement and had been convicted of threatening behavior in another case. 

Police had deployed heavily armed officers and special arrest teams on Saturday morning. They also ordered 150 households to evacuate the area. 

Ede's mayor Rene Verhulst said the suspect was a Dutch citizen, but police have not released details of his identity. 

"The hostage-taker is arrested by the police and they are now speaking to him," said Verhulst. "The hostages are free, they are very emotional.”

Several hostages were staff at Cafe Petticoat. Three were allowed to leave the building with arms behind their heads, while the fourth remained behind. That hostage emerged shortly before police made the arrest.  Local police operations chief, Anne Jan Oosterheert, said the victims were safe, but still coming to terms with the incident. 

"They are extremely shocked. All care and attention will go to them in cooperation with the municipality to make sure they get all the support they need."

Meanwhile, police were trying to determine if the suspect carried explosives. 

"The investigation of the explosives is ongoing at this time," said Oosterheert. "The explosives clearing service is working in the cafe because there is a grab bag that may contain explosives. I hope to get that clear in the next few hours."

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Cover image: Police detain a man after four people were held hostage in the Dutch town of Ede /Reuters/Piroschka Van De Wouw