Woman held hostage in Melbourne, police shoot man dead to rescue her

Melbourne: A woman was on Monday held hostage in an apartment in south eastern suburb of Melbourne in Australia, prompting police to launch a major operation to rescue her.

According to reports, the police operation was launched at the Bay Street apartment in Brighton following reports of an explosion. The emergency services, including SES crews, were called to the scene where they also located the body of a man who appeared to have been shot in the foyer of the building.

Police said it appeared the man in the foyer was shot dead and specialist police were now attempting to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments. "Police are attempting to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments," the spokeswoman said. "It's believed he has a woman inside with him who he won't allow to leave."

Victoria Police expert units are currently at the scene.