PREVIOUSLY
- Can you hear me clearly? - Yes.
I've shut myself in the bank, together with some other people.
It's not real. It's just a game.
If one of you doesn't do what we say,
the timers on the bombs around your neck will start.
There are six hostages that we know about.
- Why the question mark over Inge? - She's off sick.
She's not at home and we can't reach her.
This is Vos. She's responsible for negotiations.
Please make sure nothing happens to them.
The cops stay away. The media too. No photographers, no cameras, nothing.
Hey! Get down from there. No filming over the screens.
Ensure that money gets here.
There isn't a million euros just lying around waiting for us.
But you could give us a sign of your goodwill.
It's a key for your handcuffs, Basil.
In two minutes, someone can enter the square, unarmed, hands in the air.
One person, no more.
- They're not saying anything inside. - Mummy?
- Basil? - Basil!
Don't cross the street!
Ivo to Charlie and Delta, can someone stop him?
What are you doing here?
I'm from the police, sir. We're not here for you.
Why didn't you tell me before?
- And? - It's Marco. He's been shot in the neck.
- Will he live? - They don't know yet.
- Go to Mummy. - Mummy!
Basil!
Sauna...
I need to talk to him as soon as possible.
Sure.
Just give them a minute.
THE DAY
And the fact that that door is open?
It doesn't change much.
The side door is armoured, and none of it is built for easy entry.
Can't you locate the men with one of those heat-seeking cameras?
That only works in Hollywood.
Can you tell me some more about those men, Basil?
- How were they with the other people? - They shouted a lot.
And one man kicked, too.
What did he kick?
The old man.
Which man was that, Basil?
That one.
Are you sure? They kicked that man?
It's stupid that we can't call him.
I don't get it. He just released a hostage.
Y0u'd think he'd want something in exchange
or he'd call back, or something.
Oh yes, I had to tell you
that the public prosecutor called the bank's head office
and they're prepared to pay a ransom of up to 150,000 euros.
On condition that it's not revealed to anyone.
- But we never pay a ransom. - No, in principle we don't.
So why is that relevant?
What did Noor say then?
She said I could go outside.
Through a door with a bar.
That was the second time your sister called you.
You already told us that, eh?
Do you remember the first time she called?
What did Noor say then? Think carefully.
Basil, what's the matter?
What did Noor say then?
Noor said I could eat her sandwiches. But I wasn't at school yet.
So I didn't know if I was allowed to.
- Hey... - Sorry, Daddy.
There's no need to say sorry. It's okay.
It makes no difference to him whether Noor is in there or not.
Whether they've got four hostages or five.
Yeah, I know, but they've just released Basil, so...
if you immediately ask them to release his sister too,
I think it would have the opposite effect.
What if we were to give them some of the 150,000 now?
Or promise them.
Promise them, not actually give it to them.
Just hold out the prospect of it.
If we say the bank is considering giving them, say, 75,000 euros.
On condition that they let Noor go.
If I say the kid is missing his sister, then a nudge with the money...
What do you think, Vos?
- Ibrahim wants to offer 75,000. - No, we're not doing that.
- We're not giving them any money. - I didn't say we'd...
- What? - Let it ring, we won't answer for once.
- And make him angry? - When he calls back,
say there was something wrong with the phone. It froze or...
- Or we didn't see a call on the screen. - Why?
Then we can suggest calling him on another phone, as lvo asked.
But I can just ask him, can't I?
Ibrahim.
What happened to Marco is terrible, but we have to get on top of this.
Okay?
Okay, Basil recognised Walter, Serge and Michael
and a woman too, but he wasn't sure it was Inge.
He didn't see her clearly.
So she could be in there?
She could be, but it's strange that her car isn't in the square.
I also think it's strange that they let him leave on his own.
What if they planned it that way?
Suppose they're worried about being in the snipers' sights downstairs?
The snipers can't see much more downstairs than upstairs.
Maybe they don't know that. If they're upstairs, scared,
it's logical to send the kid out on his own.
- They planned it like that? - Robbing a bank?
That's very unusual these days.
A gang that takes people hostage and then calmly waits for the police?
I don't see the logic.
What do you think, lvo?
I think it's time we tried to look inside.
No to Tmbauh, can you tum the body cams on'?
Copy.
Is that a good spot to drill? We won't see much in that hallway.
It's the only wall without steel plates. It no one's by the door, it has possibilities.
Isn't it rislql, if it can take an hour or more?
But they don't have to stay there.
No one will see or hear anything.
I hope you're right.
Hello?
What are you supposed to do when a phone next to you rings?
It wasn't our fault, sir. We saw your call come in
but when I answered it, the screen...
Cut the crap, pal. That's bullshit and you know it.
Sir, isn't there another mobile or a landline in the bank?
So we can call you and...
No. I call you, that's the arrangement. Not the other way round, okay?
Like the agreement that no one would come near the bank.
- or what was that about? - What was what about?
The gunshot.
I told you, no one near the bank.
And what do you do? You put snipers everywhere.
We promised to stay out of the immediate vicinity
but we have to think of everyone's safety, okay?
That shot was an accident.
An old man with dementia shot one of our men.
Is he still alive?
He's seriously wounded.
Look, I don't want to drag it out longer than necessary.
I assume my money's ready?
The public prosecutor is pleased...
I didn't ask if the prosecutor is pleased. I asked if my money is ready.
- 80 iris/fr. - We've put your request to the bank
but it has to go through all kinds of procedures.
Within the time frame you gave us...
Igave you a deadline, not a time frame!
Stop making excuses and fucking me about!
Okay, sir, listen...
I suggest you calm down for a moment
and then call me back, okay?
See, he's angry. We should have answered.
He's not angry at you, but at himself. That's different.
You were asked to stay here. We couldn't get hold of you.
I know, sorry. I went home for a bit.
- Can you confirm that's your husband? - Yes.
Yes, that's Walter.
- No, that's not possible. - What's not possible?
- Him doing that. Doing it voluntarily. - I can't see anyone forcing him to.
- He's wearing a scarf. - Pardon?
He left the house without a scarf. I've never seen that scarf before.
Hello?
- What is rea/isl/c? - Realistic?
Getting that money here. How long will it take?
You need to realise,
it's very hard to say how long something like that can take.
I'll tell you. An hour and a half.
You've got an extra hour and a half.
But I want something in exchange.
Eight pizzas, some bottles of water and a packet of Marlboros.
You've got half an hour. And no tricks.
Okay, fine.
No, I'll do it myself. Yes. Thank you.
Ivo to all teams, I've just heard that Marco will make it.
He is out of danger.
- That's good news. - Yes. I'll just call his family.
We, may' re hungry 'm there.
They asked for pizzas, drinks and cigarettes.
More good news.
I have to go. I'll call back later.
You okay Nos'?
And you?
Ibrahim was devastated by what happened to Marco.
- They started their training together. - I didn't know that.
When did you start smoking again?
Let's say depression isn't the best motivation for not starting again.
Maybe you should give Ibrahim more space.
I can see he has talent, but...
If you force your way of negotiating on him, he may freeze.
At least let him feel he's involved in the decisions.
How's your father?
Bad.
Marnix, how many more minutes do you need?
None.
Ivo to all teams, prepare for interaction.
- No to Gee", g0 ahead. - Understood.
lvo to Geert, can you see anything in there?
Negative, lvo. Hold on...
I can see movement.
It's a woman, but not that Inge.
I estimate 30 to 35, 1.7 metres, slim build, brown hair.
Ivo to Geen', you're 100% certain it's not Inge?
Affirmative. it's not Inge.
Okay, Geen, move closer.
Can you hear me?
How many of them are there?
Two?
Can they hear you? Are they watching you?
Is anyone hurt?
We're going to get you out, okay?
I'm going to put the pizzas down and walk away, as they asked.
We'll get you out, I promise.
It'll be fine.
Geert to lvo, the woman has something around her neck.
I assume something with explosives. It looks well made.
Ivo to Marc, can someone from the local police
find out that woman's identity?
50"'!-
Here. You need to see this.
- They're broadcasting everything. - Bloody hell.
The bank's doors have opened. This is probably one of the hostages.
She has something around her neck.
And she's picking up the bag.
That collar around her neck is a new and worrying element.
She's going back inside the bank.
Hold on. Wait. Open the bag.
Show me.
Take the cigarettes and drinks out.
And take the boxes out too.
Hold on a minute.
Take the pizzas out of the boxes. I don't trust this.
Yeah, take them out and... put them on something else.
- Hold on, we... - No!
When you're finished, put the bag with the boxes back at the entrance.
Damn.
The pizza delivery means two things.
There is contact with the hostage-takers
and it will probably be a while before the situation is resolved.
That's all the information we have at present.
As soon as we know more, we'll come straight back to you.
Over to the studio.
- Yeah? - Okay, we're off air.
You were told not to show the square.
- We were told we mustn't... - I wasn't talking to you.
What's the idea?
You said we mustn't film over the screens, but not...
Other TV teams are keeping to the agreements.
Maybe you should make the agreements clear for a change.
You're not allowed to show the square or the bank.
Or I'll have your equipment seized. Is that clear enough?
Then I would like you to leave the roof.
Thank you.
Can we have a quick chat?
What about?
I want to make it clear I really don't feel like this.
Don't feel like what?
You are here, I am here. That is the situation.
But if you're planning to get your team to aggravate me...
I'm not getting anyone to aggravate you, Arne.
It wasn't my idea to come up here.
I told the guys it wasn't a clever thing to do.
- They've already examined it. - Only for trace evidence.
I've come to see if I can bypass the code
so we can unlock it.
Then we can also call them.
- How long do you need? - Depends.
If there's two-factor authentication...
Shorter or longer than a cigarette? That's all I need to know.
Longer than one cigarette, but shorter than a whole pack.
Hold on, Hoeland, I'm coming too. Ibrahim, do you want to come?
I've got an idea we could try but I'd like to hear what you think.
0K3)'-
I want to disconnect them.
- Disconnect them? - Turn off the water and electricity.
- In the bank? - To increase the pressure on them.
Looks like our bank manager is less involved than we thought.
Basil says those guys beat him up.
And if there's a bomb under his scarf, he won't volun...
Guys, can you be quiet? Can you make your calls outside?
Also... the local police have identified our extra victim.
It's not Inge. We still don't know where she is, but...
Freya Van Landschoot. Customer, local resident.
- Have her family been contacted? - Yes, they're on their way.
The head office says Freya had an appointment with Michael Van Hamme.
So she was supposed to be there.
But there's more. Freya's father is Rolf Van Landschoot.
Marc, maybe you could tell everyone who that is?
He's the owner of Mahltex. Maybe you've heard of it.
- They're on the industrial estate. - What do they make again?
Textiles and synthetic materials for the car industry.
So, either Freya just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time
or those guys knew she was supposed to be there
and sent her for those pizzas with a bomb around her neck
to persuade her father to cough up a ransom.
With regard to the bomb, the bomb disposal unit is...
I've finished.
Nothing. I didn't expect to bypass the code
but they've messed with the operating system, so I can't get at anything.
So we're none the wiser, then?
We are. We know the guy who did it knows about computers.
- I really think we should do it. - lvo...
- Do Ibrahim and Floeland think so too? - No.
What do you think, lvo?
We cutoff water and power once before, in a different situation.
In this case, I don't know.
- What do you want to achieve? - I want to throw him off balance.
- Off balance? Why? - Because...
So far, he's felt he's running the show. That's also our fault.
If we destabilise him, he will realise that isn't the case.
He's short-tempered. What if he blows a fuse?
I don't think that will happen.
It's just...
I don't know, but he...
There's something about the situation that doesn't add up.
There really is. I want to see what happens if we rattle his cage.
Good afternoon.
Nadia Coppieters, the mayor. Sorry I'm late.
So tell me, how are we going to solve this?
Who is being held in there?
- Madam Mayor, we talked on the phone. - Oh, yes.
It isn't customary for the mayor to be here.
We're only discuss police strategy here.
I understand. I just want to know what to tell the media.
There's a media blackout. I told you that.
Yes... may I just ask, and please don't misunderstand me,
because it's terrible for everyone in there...
But I hope Mr Van Landschoot's daughter will be fine?
I'll let you get on with your work. Right...
Politicians!
Cut off water and electricity, yes or no?
I'd rather wait till we can see inside.
- But that won't be for a while yet, eh? - No, it'll take some time.
I think we should do it now.
Ivo, Rolf Van Landschoot is here with his wife.
- Tell them we'll be right there. - It's more urgent than that.
Yeah, I'll go.
- What shall we do? - I'm inclined to go along with Vos.
So I'll ask you again. How come we...
Arne?
- Are you the boss? - I am. Arne Michiels, Federal Police.
We had to find out on TV
that our daughter is in the bank with a bomb around her neck.
Your daughter being in the bank was news to us too.
- As soon as we knew, we informed you. - What do they want, a ransom?
- Our people are doing... - I asked if they want a ransom.
- That's not actually relevant. - What do you mean, not relevant?
Paying a ransom practically promotes hostage-taking,
so whether they ask or not, we never pay.
Madam... Madam...
Madam Mayor, the local residents have many questions.
How is this situation being dealt with?
The police are currently doing all they can to reach a peaceful solution.
Are negotiations under way with the men in the bank?
No, well... yes, but I cannot tell you anything at present.
Media blackout, my arse.
- Contact with the people in the hank? - don 7 know.
You're the mayor I but you don't know?
No, it was decided not to inform the council of the strategy. Thank you.
Mrs Coppieters? Mrs Coppieters?
That was a brief reaction from the mayor,
who was able to confirm that...
Good afternoon.
Bram, I'll explain how to deliver the money.
Have a helicopter with room for five
here within an hour, with a full tank
and the money on board, in clear bags and denominations as agreed.
One civilian pilot, no one else.
l! should land as close r0 the bank as possible.
All of the snipers should be gone.
CLEAR AIRSPACE IS NOT EASY
- We'll let all the hostages go but one- - Sorry, I'll have to interrupt.
Arranging a helicopter is one thing but if it has to land here,
the airspace has to be cleared...
Bram, listen to me. I know it's your job to delay,
but I'll tell you something that will make things go really fast, okay?
If the helicopter isn't here in time, H! send that woman out again.
Seeing as you aren't keeping the media away,
FLIGHT PATH AUTHORISED BY AVIATION AUTHORITY NOT POLICE
everyone can watch that girl lose her head live on TV.
Do you understand?
Listen, sir. We, the police, have no authority over airspace.
Even our own helicopters have to follow the authorities
and that takes time.
Kiss my arse!
Arrange the fucking helicopter, you've got an hour, okay?
Calm down, sir. It's not going to work like this, okay?
I thought we were looking for a solution together
but now you suddenly have new, unrealistic demands.
- Just 0'0 what / ask! - Sir, I'll put your request to...
And in an hour you'll say it's not happening.
I want guarantees.
Listen, sir, I can't give you guarantees, but...
if you let Noor go, it will help your chances of getting the money.
Didn't you hear what I said? There isn't going to be any bargaining.
Do what I say or there will be consequences. Full stop.
That girl hasn't done you any harm. If you let her go...
- The others haven '1' done anything either. - Sir, that girl is 15!
Bram, pal, you're wasting valuable time. I've had enough.
That helicopter has to be here in time.
Can you explain what you were trying to do?
I wanted to get him to release Noor, but...
BY Promising him money?
- Is that what we agreed? - No...
No, it wasn't what we agreed.
It isn't clever, changing tactics in the middle...
Who is on the microphone?
You taught me that the person sitting here makes the decisions.
But you just want parrots...
No, Ibrahim, I didn't teach you that.
You decide how you say something. But we decide the tactics together.
You don't fly solo, certainly not in a situation like this.
- Fine! - Stay here, Ibrahim.
If you think I can't negotiate, don't put me in that chair.
Ibrahim!
You can argue with a colleague but we still have rules, like it or not.
If your superior tells you to stay here, you stay.
If you don't, you're making a big mistake.
You're hardly equipped to teach me about making mistakes.
I'll be back soon.
Okay, get ready to disconnect.
- Sierra 1, standing by to move. - Okay, Sierra 1, go ahead.
- Sierra 2 to Ivo. - Yes, Sierra 2?
At location, standing by. Over.
Okay, Sierra 2, go ahead.
- Okay? - Yes.
Sierra 2 to lvo. At location, standing by. Over.
Okay, Sierra 2. Sierra 3, go to your position in the garage.
Okay, Ivo. Going to our position.
Sierra 3, if something goes wrong or they panic,
blow open the side door upon my order
and enter as quickly as possible.
Understood?
Okay, Ivo. COPY-
- lvo, call it off. - What?
I don't think it's a good idea to cut off the water and electricity.
What's it going to be, guys? Come on.
Ivo, can I talk to you in private for a moment, please?
One moment. lvo to all teams, remain on standby.
I know it's not the time, but... Things aren't going well with us.
I won't be responsible if we put those men in the dark.
Vos says she thinks...
I know what Vos says. But she's not with it today.
She keeps checking her phone because her dad's in hospital.
Normally she's very cautious, but now...
How long has he been in hospital?
- A couple of weeks. Didn't you know? - No.
Is it serious?
He's terminal.
You think that affects her judgment?
Sierra 3 to lvo, in position and standing by, over.
Okay, Sierra 3.
lvo to all teams, sorry for the delay,
additional consultation was necessary but we are carrying on.
Ivo to Sierra 1 and 2, water and electricity can be turned off
in five, four, three, two, one. Go.
- What's up? - It's stuck.
Sierra 2 to lvo, just a moment, a technical problem.
Sierra 2 to lvo, electricity is turned oh'. Over.
Is that a good sign or not?
- Good afternoon. - Do you wan! people to die?
- Sorry, s"... - Don't start, pal.
Turn the water and power back on
or you'll have a fucking body on your conscience.
Do you hear me?
Don't panic. Wait until he calls back.
- Ivo to negotiators, what do we do? - I'd wait a bit, lvo.
Vos, you wanted to know his reaction. Now you do. I wouldn't increase the risk.
Just remain calm. We know nothing.
Button, button.
- Hello? - Can you hear that?
That's my pistol against the girl's head. VII kill her, pal. I mean it!
You've got 60 seconds to turn the water back on.
- Sir, uh... -55.
Ivo to Sierra 1 and 2, restore the water and electricity as fast as possible.
I repeat, restore the water and electricity...
He's bluffing, lvo. I wouldn't give in.
Are you really going to take that risk?
We're not risking it, Vos. Sierra, water and electricity on.
Yeah, back on.
- 45 seconds. - Hold on, don't do anything stupid, eh?
They're looking into it.
The water supply is on again
but it may take a few minutes to restore pressure.
God damn it. Okay, Sierra 1.
35!
Sierra 2, we have to hurry.
- You have to hurry. - I know.
Sierra 2 to lvo, the switch is broken.
We can't turn the electricity on.
- God damn it! - Shouldn't we storm the place?
Then people will definitely die.
20 seconds. My finger is on the trigger!
Say the power's out in the whole square.
Apparently the whole square is without electricity, sir. But they're sorting it.
- It shouldn't take long. - 75
Hold on, sir. We'll turn it back on, we will.
Yeah? You've got ten seconds.
Seven seconds and it's still dark here. I'll shoot her.
Think carefully. You won't solve anything by shooting someone.
Be quiet. Five.
Four...
Three...
Two...
One.
It's back on. It's back on, the electricity is back on, sir.
What about the water?
It's back on again too, but it may take a while before the pressure builds up.
- Is everyone okay? - That helicopter with that money..
will be here at the agreed time and not a millisecond later.
Ivo to Vos, can you come here, please?
Vos to lvo, I'm coming.
Yes?
Tell me again why you wanted to turn oh' the water and electricity.
Why?
Provoking a hostage-taker isn't normally your style.
Or do you need to be somewhere urgently?
No.
How is your father?
If a negotiator may be emotionally unable to function properly,
he is obliged to report it.
That's the first thing we learn, Vos.
- I can do my job perfectly well. - I don't think so. Neither does Roeland.
I hear you've been distracted all day. Too busy with your phone.
Ivo, turning off the water and electricity
has nothing to do with my father.
And it certainly wasn't so it would all be over more quickly.
You were obliged to report that your father is very ill in hospital.
You didn't.
I'm taking you off the case, Vos. Go and see your father.
What would you do in my place?
Thibault to Ivo.
lvo to Thibault, I'm listening.
We're through the wall. We can film inside the bank.
Okay, Thibault, go ahead.
Subtitles © SBS Australia 2018