Paris police asking drivers to avoid area near armed robbery

French police officers leave the site after an armed robber held people hostage at a travel agency in Paris, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. French police say six people have been secured after a failed armed robbery in southern district of Paris. The Paris police department said Friday night that forces sent to the scene didn’t find the robber. No one was harmed. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu) (The Associated Press)

French Police officer stand guard near the site where an armed robber held people hostage at a travel agency in Paris, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. French police say six people have been secured after a failed armed robbery in southern district of Paris. The Paris police department said Friday night that forces sent to the scene didn’t find the robber. No one was harmed. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – French police say they are asking drivers to bypass a southern district of Paris where an armed robbery is in progress.

The Paris police department said Friday night that officers are at the scene of the robbery, but the department wouldn't give more details.

Police officials wouldn't immediately confirm press reports saying half a dozen people have been taken hostage at a travel agency by a single armed robber.

Police say the robbery is taking place on Boulevard Massena, in the southern 13th district of the French capital.

A witness says she saw at least a dozen police cars blocking the boulevard.