A?man takes a woman and child hostage in Chaoyang district, Beijing, on June 12, 2012. [Photo/ifeng.com]

BEIJING - Beijing police shot and killed a man who took a woman and child hostage in the city's Chaoyang district Tuesday afternoon, the city's police said.

The man, armed with a knife, held the two hostages for several hours before being shot at 7 pm following several rounds of failed negotiations, the police said.

Witness said the man had earlier bought two bottles of strong liquor Erguotou.

The hostages have been taken to a hospital for treatment.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Public opinion remains mixed over the incident, with some questioning the police use of force.

A man takes a woman and child hostage in Chaoyang district, Beijing, on June 12, 2012. [Photo/ifeng.com]