Berlin hostage situation: Man holds woman in supermarket

A police operation is underway in Berlin where a man has taken a woman hostage in a supermarket.

A police operation is underway at a supermarket in the Marienfelde district of the German capital where a man has taken a woman hostage, according to a police statement.

Authorities said they have made contact with the man in the Rewe supermarket.

Footage posted to social media showed armed police officers in protective gear at the entrance to the supermarket.

Police said the operation began at about 10 p.m.

Onlookers are gathered nearby, and several police and emergency vehicles can be seen on the street.

Part of the street appears to have been cordoned off. One of the videos also shows a police officer climbing a ladder leaning against the building's wall and looking inside the supermarket.

More to come at dw.com as this breaking news develops.