Three men and two women fleeing from the building, explains Jon Donnison in Sydney.One gunman is blocking staff and customers hostage at a cafe in the Australian city of Sydney.
The Lindt cafe in the central business district is cordened by armed police. Five people have been seen running from the building. It is not clear how many hostages remain inside. Police say they have made communication with the gunman.
Australian PM Tony Abbott in Canberra called the attack as “terrifying” and “disturbing” said it could be politically motivated. A black Islamic flag has been placed at the window.
“I can think of almost nothing more distressing, more terrifying than to be caught up in such a situation, and our hearts go out to these people. Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society nothing should ever change that and that’s why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual.”
Senior police officers say they are on a war footing “consistent with a terrorist event”.The incident happened as people were arriving for work in Martin Place on Monday.Eye Witnesses saw a man with a bag and gun walk into the Lindt cafe. Cafe managment said about 10 employees and 30 customers were thought to be inside at the time. Nearby offices were evacuated and police asked people to remain indoors and away from open windows. Jon Donnison in Sydney says an tough police operation is in place, on a scale few Sydney residents will have seen.
Heavily armed police are surrounding the cafe
Roads have been shut down and the Martin Place station is closed
Police have upped their security checks across the city
Police have been escorting people out of nearby buildings
