A GUNMAN who held hostages inside an Apple store has been mowed down by cops.

       The hooded assailant had run off in a dash for freedom behind one of his hostages.

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       A gunman held a man hostage in an Apple store 6

       The hooded thug had the man in a headlock 6

       Video shows he was mowed down by police

       But they only got to around 60 metres from the store when a cop car rammed into him in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

       The hostage-taker was taken to hospital after a robot confirmed he had no explosives on him.

       His hostage is safe after being held for five hours.

       Earlier the gunman was filmed with a man in a headlock as he held a gun to his head.

       He also aggressively gestured the gun towards the street while shouting through the store's glass window.

       Police confirmed more people who were in the building have been taken to safety, and several people left the building earlier tonight since the hostage situation began.

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       They also apologised to residents for the noisy helicopter hovering overhead, adding: "We hope for understanding and as soon as the helicopter is no longer needed, peace will return to the air."

       A witness told Dutch outlet AT5 they had to "run for my life" after hearing gunshots.

       They said: "I was standing on the zebra crossing opposite the apple store. An employee walked out in panic with a walkie-talkie, yelling.

       "At that moment the penny hadn't dropped yet and I was about to cross the zebra crossing opposite the entrance to the Apple store.

       "And that's when I heard gunshots inside."

       Dutch journalist Wouter Laumans reported that police in bulletproof vests said "it's too dangerous here" as they sent people away.

       He added that police on the ribbon spoke about a possible explosion hazard.

       Further clips show numerous armed police officers lining the street taking aim towards the Apple store in the Netherlands' capital.

       It is rumoured to be a possible robbery. Local TV reported witnesses saying they heard gunfire.

       Amsterdam police said: "There's a police operation due to a call at a store on Leidseplein."

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       It is thought at least two people are being held hostage Credit: EPA 6

       DSI members arrived at the scene Credit: EPA 6

       Police officers at the scene Credit: AFP