A number of hostages held in a residence in the northern French town of Roubaix on Tuesday night are safe, according to authorities.

Prosecutor Frederic Fevre told The Associated Press that one suspect was found dead in the home where the hours-long incident had taken place.

At least one other suspect, who had tossed away his pistol, was found outside the house in the residential neighbourhood, and detained.

However, a number of hostage-takers escaped.

Fevre added that a Kalashnikov assault rifle was also found at the scene.

Authorities told Agence France-Press that the suspects had originally seized the manager of a local bank and tried to force him to open its safe.

After police arrived, the manager escaped and the armed men took his wife, daughter and 11-month-old baby hostage.

Roubaix is located near the French-Belgium border, and is about 115 kilometres west of Brussels.

With files from The Associated Press