Amsterdam hostage suspect hospitalized 'seriously injured'

Apple Store hostage suspect in one of Amsterdam's main squares, a 27-year-old man from the city, demanded 200 million euros in cryptocurrency and was transported '

' at the hospital, according to local authorities.

Read alsoAn American taken hostage saved after not sharing her “Wordle” of the day

The hostage and four people who had hidden in a closet without the suspect's knowledge are safe and appear to be in good health, city authorities confirmed at a news conference last night.

The hostage-taking kept the residents of the area around Leidseplein, a place in the center of Amsterdam popular with locals and tourists, especially for its many bars and cafes, in suspense for nearly five hours.

200 million euros in cryptocurrency

Amsterdam police received a report around 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. GMT) on Tuesday of a possible attack by a gunman in a store.

The first officers dispatched to the scene were targeted by shots with an automatic weapon, the police chief said.

It soon emerged that the suspect also had a gun and footage suggested he may be wearing an explosive vest.

Many people were able to leave the building but the man directly took a person hostage, a 44-year-old British customer according to local media, by holding him under the shoulder.

The suspect demanded 200 million euros in cryptocurrency against the release of the building, threatening to blow himself up.

The square surrounding the store was quickly cordoned off, cafes and theaters closed.

People present in the square when the hostage-taking began were asked to take refuge in cafes, according to police orders, and journalists were kept at a distance.

More than 70 people were evacuated from the building where the Apple store was located, said police chief Frank Paauw.

But four people were unable to leave the building and had taken refuge in a closet on the ground floor.

Read alsoHostage taking in Texas: two additional arrests in England

The hostage man asked for water around 10:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. GMT), with the agreement of the police.

He exited the building and ran away, quickly followed by the hostage taker who was immediately run over by a law enforcement vehicle.

Police robotically examined the man, lying on the street and found that the suspect "

", she said on Twitter.

He was then taken seriously injured to the hospital and no news has meanwhile been given on his state of health.

Investigations are ongoing.