Police in the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien-Hue have saved a woman after she was held hostage by an armed man who was reportedly high on crystal meth.

The incident happened at the Thua Thien-Hue Water Supply JSC, situated on Bui Thi Xuan Street in the provincial capital of Hue at around 8:00 am on Tuesday.

Ngo Thanh Tinh, 28, entered the headquarters of the firm, bringing along a knife and a pair of scissors.

He first headed to the security guard office, where he smashed multiple objects.

The security guards did not stop him but backed off instead.

Tinh then went inside the building and held a female employee named Phuong hostage, threatening to stab her if anyone came close.

Witnesses stated that the suspect was showing signs of mental problems, which could be the effect of crystal meth.

The weapons that Tinh brought along with him. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Police officers later arrived at the scene to persuade Thinh to let the victim go.

They managed to distract Thanh so that the victim could escape in a split second.

Many people took part in the apprehension of Thinh, while an officer also had to fire a warning shot.

Phuong was later brought to the hospital for a health check.

Ngo Thanh Tinh is held at the police station in this photo supplied by officers.

Local residents gather at the Thua Thien-Hue Water Supply JSC. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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