UPDATED: 12 individuals taken hostage by robber in Bank of Georgia Kutaisi branch

Updated: 13:40

Twelve individuals have been taken hostage by an armed robber who broke into the Bank of Georgia branch in the country’s western city of Kutaisi and demanded a large amount of money, the Georgian interior ministry said.

The state body noted law enforcement officers were taking “all necessary measures for [...] timely and safe release [of the hostages]”.

It also confirmed an investigation had been launched on articles of terrorism, hostage-taking for terrorist purposes, and illegal purchase, storage and carrying of ammunition.

Earlier: 12:55

Law enforcement have been mobilized around a Bank of Georgia branch in the country’s western city of Kutaisi as the interior ministry said an armed man had broken into the office.

The ministry said officers had cordoned off the branch located on Shota Rustaveli Avenue in the  city.

Currently, law enforcement officers mobilised on the spot are taking all necessary and urgent measures, while investigative and operative activities are underway”, the state body noted.

 The ministry also called on reporters to observe safety norms and follow police instructions around the location.