Montreal police find 'no threat' after reports of possible hostage situation in Ubisoft building

Montreal police have not identified a threat after an investigation into a 911 call about a “hostage situation” in a building that hosts video game developer Ubisoft.

According to a press release by Montreal’s police force, no injuries have been reported as of Friday evening. An investigation into “the call behind this important police force deployment” is ongoing.

CBC, who received confirmation from police sources, is reporting that the call was a “hoax.”

At around 1:30 p.m. EST on Friday, reports surfaced that multiple suspects were holding dozens of people hostage in the St-Laurent Blvd building, while some employees managed to escape to the roof, where they barricaded the door.

A heavy police presence set up a perimeter at the corner of St-Viateur Street and St-Laurent Blvd, but they did not confirm at the time if they were dealing with a hostage situation. There were also ambulances, a police armoured vehicle and a tactical squad on scene.

At around 3:30, police started to escort employees from the building once they realized there was “no threat” in the Mile End neighbourhood. Along with Ubisoft, the building hosts several other small offices.

This is a developing story. More to come.