Gunman demanding savings takes Beirut bank staff hostage

An armed suspect has taken staff hostage after a bank in Lebanon refused his attempt to withdraw his own money from a savings account.

Al Jazeera reports that the man, equipped with a shotgun, was threatening to burn down the building if he was not given access to his money.

Since 2009 Lebanese banks have implemented strict limits on withdrawals of foreign currency, making savings accounts inaccessible for many.

A negotiator representing the government was deployed to make contact with the man.

Click here to sign up to our newsletters.