Several people have been taken hostage in a cafe in the Dutch city of Ede east of Utrecht, a spokesman for the municipal authorities said on Saturday. A large contingent of police had cordoned off the area in the centre of the city, Dutch media reported. According to the police, around 150 homes were evacuated. Police have called on people to avoid the centre of the city, which is located not far from Arnhem. Train services in the affected area were cancelled.