An “undisclosed” number of people were held hostage by an armed man in the central business district (CBD) of Sydney today, but according to reports, the New South Wales Police have confirmed that the siege is now over.
It has been reported that hundreds of armed police surrounded the area around the Lindt café in the city centre, which was evacuated.
The New South Wales police confirmed earlier that three people have made it out of the café, while other reports have suggested that this later increased to five. According to reports they later tweeted “no one has been injured as far as we know.”
Later this afternoon, Sky News reported that at least five more hostages escaped from the café, while it is believed that police rescued more. Gunshots were heard inside the cafe.
The gunman has been identified as Man Haron Monis of Iran.
Ten News Sydney stated that they had spoken to hostages inside the café and that a number of demands had been made.
“This is a very disturbing incident. It is profoundly shocking that innocent people should be held hostage by an armed person claiming political motivation,” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott stated shortly after news of the situation broke.
“Nevertheless, I can say that New South Wales police and other agencies have responded to this incident with great professionalism. I can understand the concerns and anxieties of the Australian people.”
“We have moved to a footing that would be consistent with a terrorist event,” said Andrew Scipione, police commissioner for New South Wales. Footage from the scene appears to show a black and white flag that is similar to those used by Islamic State militants. Local reports from Sydney have stated that the flag reads, “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
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