An armed man has taken hostages at a school complex just south of Paris, French police said today.

Officials said children were initially among the hostages but the man only appears to be holding one adult now.

The siege began in the town of Vitry-sur-Seine this morning.

One police official said all the children at the complex, which includes nursery and elementary schools, are safe.

He added that the adult being held is the parent of one of the children.

French schools have broken up for the summer holidays but are running summer activities.

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