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Policeman in the Altmarktgalerie in Dresden: suspected hostage-taking
Photo: MATTHIAS RIETSCHEL / REUTERS
A large-scale police operation started in downtown Dresden on Saturday.
The police said the background was a hostage situation.
The Altmarktgalerie shopping center and adjacent areas would be evacuated.
According to initial information, a stranger had entered a building and fired shots.
He then holed himself up in a drugstore in the Altmarktgalerie, as reported by the "Bild" newspaper.
The Striezelmarkt, one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, also remained closed.
Police asked residents and visitors to stay away from downtown.
More on this soon on SPIEGEL.de