Gunman releases two more of the 19 hostages being held in Georgian bank, demands $500,000

An unidentified gunman released two more hostages out of 19 still being held on Wednesday in a branch of the commercial Bank of Georgia in the town of Zugdidi, the deputy interior minister said.

The gunman, who was masked and wore a military uniform, took 20 people hostage more than six hours ago and has demanded a sum of $500,000. One hostage, a pregnant woman, was released earlier in the day, said police.

"Negotiations are underway, two more hostages have been released," Vladimir Bortsvadze, a deputy interior minister, told reporters. "We are doing our best to release all hostages."

The bank`s employees as well as customers are among hostages. Police have blocked the area around the bank in the town centre.

The gunman initially gave the police a two-hour deadline to meet his demands, but it expired without further developments.
The story has been taken from a news agency