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(Image: DS)

They joined hordes of local police and emergency services at the scene near the Formula 1 hotel in the commune of Bollene, Provence.

It was thought the man also had a knife and was in possession of explosive weapons.

The budget hotel and surrounding homes were evacuated in the afternoon as military personnel arrived.

A police spokesman earlier called him a "deranged man" who is "holed up in the Formule 1 hotel."

A local gendarme officer added he may have had an explosive device.

The standoff between the bloke and cops went on for more than six hours, with police forced to erect an 820 foot perimeter around the hotel.

Part of a nearby motorway was also closed.

(Image: FACEBOOK)

At just after 8pm, officials said the man had been arrested, although it's unclear whether he surrendered or if riot cops stormed the building.

An announcement from the city's official Facebook page said electricity would be restored and access to the area would be allowed.

An official investigation has also been launched.