SWAT teams surround bank where armed man holds hostages

Police and SWAT units are surrounding a bank in Tennessee where a man reportedly armed with a machete is said to have taken hostages, it was learned on Friday.

Authorities were called to an emergency situation at a bank in Columbia.

Nine people were being held hostage inside the bank by a man armed with a machete, law enforcement officials told NewsChannel5.

The machete-wielding man reportedly released three hostages, leaving six inside.

Authorities were called to an emergency situation at a bank in Columbia

Hostage negotiators are reportedly on the scene talking to the suspect. 

A number of social media users have posted video and pictures showing officers training their weapons at the Community First Bank and Trust.

The bank’s parking lot has been completely blocked off by first responders and police.

Authorities have also blocked off adjacent roads leading to the bank.

This is a developing story.