The siege at a French nursery school where an armed man took 20 children hostage has ended.

The 17-year-old, with a history of psychological problems, entered the building in Besançon armed with two swords.

He then released a number of children as an elite squad of French police moved in and made contact with the man.

The incident began shortly after the Charles Fourier kindergarten opened its doors for the days classes.

All the children have been released unharmed and the hostage taker is now in police custody.