French police officers stand in front of an entrance to a shopping center in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, north of Paris, France, July 13, 2015. REUTERS/Hedy Belucif

French police officers stand outside a shopping center in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, north of Paris, France, July 13, 2015. REUTERS/Hedy Belucif

Police riot officers stand outside a suburban clothing store, in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, north of Paris

Police officers stand outside a suburban clothing store, in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, north of Paris

Police officers stand outside a suburban clothing store, in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, north of Paris

18 hostages being held by gunmen in a store near Paris have been rescued by police.

Three gunmen are now reported to be on-the-run, following the rescue of the hostages.

The incident was an attempted robbery and not terror-related.

It is understood two gunmen entered what is believed to be a Primark store at Villeneuve-la-Garenne.

All 18 hostages are understood to be staff members at the store.

Le Figaro reports that an employee of the store sent a text to a friend saying he was being held hostage.

"Around 6:30 am (0530 GMT), two or three armed criminals went into the Primark store for what we think was initially an attempt at armed robbery," a police source said.

Online Editors