Gunman takes hostages in northwestern Turkey bank

A gunman has taken hostages at a bank in northwestern Kocaeli province's Golcuk district, police said Friday.

According to initial reports, four hostages managed to flee by jumping from the bank’s balcony while the rest of the workers remain trapped inside.

"It seems like a robbery as the unidentified gunman has put all the money in a bag," Levent Yarimel, head of local police department, said.

Police were trying to persuade the hostage taker to surrender.