Updated: 18:22
All hostages held captive by an armed bank robber have been released and an operation is underway to arrest the assailant of the Bank of Georgia branch in the Kvareli district of eastern Georgian region of Kakheti.
Head of the Strategic Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Keti Kovziashvili said that the hostages are unharmed and are in a safe place.
Earlier: 16:43
An armed man is currently holding 10-15 individuals hostage in a hold up of a Bank of Georgia branch in the Kvareli district of eastern Georgia, witnesses on the ground say.
He is allegedly holding a hand-grenade and is demanding half a million GEL.
Police are at the scene and trying to ensure safety.
We are taking all necessary actions at the scene," said the ministry.
The man has not been identified so far.