Melbourne siege ends safely as woman taken to hospital

A hostage siege ends safely in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea after two people were believed to be held captive in an apartment.

Source: AAP

A 32-year-old woman has been taken to hospital after police responded to a hostage situation in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.

Specialist police were called to an apartment in Brighton Road about 2pm and began negotiating with the hostage taker, who police said may have been armed.

People were warned to avoid the area, although there were no concerns for nearby residents.

Police said in a statement that the siege ended safely around 4pm.

"A 32-year-old woman acting alone has been taken to hospital for assessment following reports of a siege at Ripponlea this afternoon," police said.

"The matter was successfully resolved about two hours later. A woman has been taken to hospital where she is being assessed.

"At no stage was there any risk or danger to the public."