http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2014/12/ ... tin-place/Hostage situation in Sydney’s Martin Place
New South Wales police are on the scene at Martin Place and people are being advised to avoid the busy shopping area.
A number of hostages are being held against the window with their hands up, some of them wearing Lindt Cafe aprons.
A black and white flag has been photographed at the scene and is believed to be a Da’ish flag, used by the Islamic State.
The flag on display is understood to say: “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
Martin Place is a main thoroughfare in Sydney’s central business district, and is home to the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Commonwealth Bank, Macquarie Bank, as well as Channel Seven studios.
Office workers in the area are reporting that they cannot leave their buildings.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the siege as a “deeply concerning incident”.
“All Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well-trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner.”
Mr Abbott also confirmed that the “National Security Committee of Cabinet has convened for briefings on the situation”.
A NSW Police spokesperson told The New Daily: “All we’re saying at this stage is that a police operation is underway and we’re urging people to avoid the area.”
The nearby Channel Seven newsroom has also reportedly been evacuated because of the siege, trains in the area have been stopped and the Opera House and surrounding areas have been evacuated.
“There’s no trains operating on the T4 eastern suburbs and Illawarra line. No trains on that line between central and Bondi junction,” a NSW transport spokesperson told The New Daily.
There are unconfirmed reports the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has shut down the air space above central Sydney.
Estimates vary as to the number of people in the cafe, but Channel Seven is reporting there are 13 staff and customers inside.
Terror expert Dr Clarke Jones told The New Daily he holds “grave fears for those inside”.
He said there were reports that there was a Channel Seven was reporter inside the cafe, and he said one of the terrorists was believed to have a shotgun.
Buzzfeed Australia is reporting a man in priest’s clothing has been allowed to enter the scene by police but the reason for his presence remains unknown.
The incident was brought to the attention of police by a woman who reportedly saw a man entering the cafe carrying a blue sports bag. She believed the bag was carrying a gun.
There is a strong police presence at the scene, which is a particularly busy area of the CBD.
A City of Sydney survey found there were 1400 people in Martin Place on a typical weekday at lunchtime.
Hostage Situation Unfolding In Sydney...
Hostage Situation Unfolding In Sydney...
This is going on currently:
Re: Hostage Situation Unfolding In Sydney...
I heard something on the radio this morning that some hostages either escaped or were released, it was unsure which. But many are still being held. Hopefully this will end peacefully.