BERLIN, August 19. (Itar-Tass) – A man, claiming to be armed, has taken several hostages in the old city hall building in the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt, local police reported. So far no demands have been put forward.

Ingolstadt police spokesman stated that law enforcements are attempting to negotiate release of hostages while avoiding conflict escalation. The city hall has been surrounded, no information on the number of hostages is available at this point.

Angela Merkel was scheduled to appear on site late Monday as part of her election campaign. Bundestag elections are slated for September 22.