Armed man who held hostages at Paris bank gives up, says French police

Paris: French police say a gunman who took four people hostage at a Paris bank has given himself up and all the hostages are safe and unharmed.

The 43-year-old gunman took the hostages Friday in a plea to get government housing for himself and his disabled son. Four hostages were held at the CIC branch, but three were freed during the ordeal, which lasted one hour and 20 minutes.

At least a dozen police were deployed outside the bank, which is near Paris' busy shopping district of Place de l'Italie.

Police say the gunman gave up without a fight after the final hostage was freed and handed over his gun about 7 pm.

Police spokesman Christophe Crepin said no shots were fired and the man was taken to a psychiatric ward.