Hostage situation unfolds at German bank

Police on Friday said multiple suspects and hostages were believed to be inside a bank in the western German town of Sinzig. 

Extensive cordons have been set up, with police saying there is no danger to people outside the secured area.

Authorities said one of the hostages is the driver of a cash transport vehicle.

"The situation is currently static," police said.

What do we know so far?

A man had approached the employee outside the bank at about 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT/UTC), threatened him, and forced him inside, with both believed to be in the vault area, according to media reports.

Authorities have sealed off the entire downtown area and called in special forces. 

Police say they are being very cautious with information, in part because "someone could possibly be listening in." 

"We have to wait and see how the situation develops," a police spokesman said.

This is a breaking story that will be updated...