A group of armed men may have taken hostages in the northern French town of Roubaix, it is being reported.

It is thought the incident started at about 7pm local time.

Witnesses reported gunshots being fired. Media reports say the area has been closed off by police, cautious following the terrorist attacks in Paris 11 days ago.

The incident does not appear to be related to the ongoing security situation in France following the 13 November attacks in Paris.