Spanish authorities say an attempt to seize control of a Spanish consulate in Switzerland has ended without serious injury, and police in the Swiss capital, Bern, say three hostages have been freed.

A security guard was hospitalized for treatment of a knife wound, but Spanish officials say his life is not in danger.

Reports from Bern say three masked assailants forced their way into the consulate building this Monday morning in what is believed to have been a robbery attempt. The intruders held three people hostage for a time inside the consulate, but Swiss authorities say one of the captives escaped and police rescued the others.

The hostage-takers mysteriously disappeared as the takeover attempt ended. Spanish officials have said only that the intruders left the building. According to Reuters, Swiss police said they are still searching the premises, in the belief that the intruders may still be in the building.