Gunman shot dead after siege

Aachen - German police shot dead a lone gunman after winning release of his three hostages yesterday, ending a three-day standoff…

Aachen - German police shot dead a lone gunman after winning release of his three hostages yesterday, ending a three-day standoff at a branch of Germany's central bank, officials said.

The gunman's end came after he left the building and got into a car provided for his getaway with one hostage. Minutes earlier he had released two others and had hoped to win safe passage from the scene.

With hundreds of police surrounding the building, authorities then set off an explosive device and marksmen started firing on the gunman.