Reports say that a group of armed men may have taken hostages in the northern French town of Roubaix, BBC News reports.

There are conflicting initial reports on local media on where exactly in the town the incident is taking place.

Local media said the incident took place at around 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Witnesses reported gunshots being fired. Media reports say the neighbourhood has been closed off by police. Several people have sustained gunshot wounds, Reuters reported citing medical sources.

It is not yet clear if the incident is related to the ongoing security situation in France following the 13 November attacks in Paris.