Authorities said shoppers were taken hostage at a supermarket in southern France on Friday.
The French interior ministry confirmed that a police operation was underway at the Super U store in Trèbes. The town is about 8 miles southeast of Carcasonne.
Officials said they did not know how many people were being held. Gunshots had been heard inside.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said, "This is a serious situation.
