At least 10 hostages were reportedly tied up on top of getaway cars during a bank robbery in Brazil.
According to CNN Brazil, an armed gang of 50 criminals carried out an attack on a bank in Araçatuba, São Paulo today (Aug 30).
Social media images show that criminals are using hostages as a 'human shield' on top of moving cars.
The fire department claim that at least one person was shot.
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Reports also suggest that the gang fired explosives at Military Police barracks in order to raid the banks.
In one of the explosions a cyclist was said to be injured, however, there is no update on the victim's health.
Four vehicles, including a bus, were also set on fire, whilst also blocking police access to the city so they could escape.
Shootings also took place and were said to come to an end at 1.50am, local time, with the remaining vehicles speeding off to rural neighbourhoods outside the city.
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The gang allegedly left explosives in different parts of the city after raiding the banks.
An explosion was heard just after 3am.
The explosions also caused major electricity outages in part of the city.
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Firefighters say that there was an attempt to rob the branches of Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica, which are located very close to each other.
Police were called to strengthen security on the spot and according to information from the city hall, the state government is also aware of the attack.
However, it is now believed that the hostages that were tied to the roof of the cars have now been let free.
The Metro say that videos from those detained by criminals have circulated online, showing horrifying cuts all over their arms and hands.
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A statement by Secretariat of Public Security reported that: "Searches are underway to locate criminals."
The publication also informs us that "a team from GATE (Special Tactical Actions Group) is also on the move to the municipality" and repeats that "more details will be provided at the end of the registration of the occurrence".
Featured Image Credit: Credit: Twitter/@yurimacriTopics: Brazil