A gunman is holding a number of hostages in a cafe in Sydney. Police have surrounded the premises in Martin Place close to the city’s central business district. It’s not known exactly how many people are being held at the moment. The incident started early Monday morning when witnesses say they saw a man with a bag walk into the Lindt chocolate shop and cafe. The company said about 10 employees and around 30 customers were in the cafe at the time. Nearby offices and other buildings were cleared by police as soon as the situation became apparent. About six hours after the start of the siege three people were seen running from the premises with two more following around an hour later. It is not clear if they escaped or they were released at this stage. At one point a black flag was held up to a window on which was written Arabic script. Police are said to have identified the suspected gunman but asked media outlets not to publish his identity.
NSW deputy police commissioner, Catherine Burn said: “I won’t clarify any operation tactics at the moment. It is really important to remember that this is ongoing, that we still have people who are being held. We still have a person that we are dealing with. So as soon as we are able to provide that information.”
INC News, 15/12/2014-Via Reuter,Euronews
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