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Sydney siege: Hostages held in central cafe Sydney siege: Hostages held in central cafe
(35 minutes later)
At least one gunman has taken several people hostage at a cafe in the centre of the Australian city of Sydney. Several people have been taken hostage by at least one armed man at a Lindt cafe in the centre of Sydney.
Pictures on Australian television have shown at least three people with their hands up against a window, and a black flag with Arabic writing.
Hundreds of armed police have sealed off the normally busy Martin Place in Sydney's central business district.Hundreds of armed police have sealed off the normally busy Martin Place in Sydney's central business district.
Pictures on Australian television have shown at least three people with their hands up against a window, and a black flag with Arabic writing.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the incident as "deeply concerning".Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the incident as "deeply concerning".
"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," he said in a statement. He said it was not yet clear who was behind the incident or what their motives were, but said law enforcement agencies were well-equipped to respond.
A National Security Committee of Cabinet had been convened for Monday morning, the PM's office said. In a brief news conference, he said the National Security Committee had been briefed, and urged Australians to go about their lives but to be alert.
New South Wales police have asked people to avoid the area and to stay away from windows. "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," he said.
Police have also said that they are dealing with an "incident" at the Sydney Opera House, which has been evacuated. New South Wales Police said in a statement that an "armed incident" was under way, and that "specialist officers are attempting to make contact with those inside a cafe".
Local media are reporting that a suspicious package was found there on Monday, though it was unclear whether it was connected to the Martin Place incident. The police said nearby offices had been evacuated as a precaution and asked people to remain indoors and way from open windows.
An Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter said that gunfire had been heard at the scene, the Lindt chocolate cafe - but this has not been confirmed.
No injuries have been reported from the incident, according to a police spokesperson.
At the scene: Wendy Frew, BBC Australia Editor OnlineAt the scene: Wendy Frew, BBC Australia Editor Online
Martin Place is a public pedestrian thoroughfare through the heart of Sydney, joining its parliamentary, legal and retail districts.Martin Place is a public pedestrian thoroughfare through the heart of Sydney, joining its parliamentary, legal and retail districts.
It is full of media, members of the public and the police, with what appear to be anxious colleagues of people trapped inside the building, waiting for news. Several surrounding blocks are cordoned off.It is full of media, members of the public and the police, with what appear to be anxious colleagues of people trapped inside the building, waiting for news. Several surrounding blocks are cordoned off.
Police are at this stage not giving media briefings at the site - dozens of police cars have arrived at the scene, with more continuing to come.Police are at this stage not giving media briefings at the site - dozens of police cars have arrived at the scene, with more continuing to come.
The incident began as people were arriving for work in Martin Place on Monday morning.
Witnesses saw a man with a bag and gun walk into the Lindt chocolate shop and cafe. Police shut down the area, closing roads and moving people away. The Martin Place station was also closed.
Shortly after, television footage showed at least two people, thought to be employees of the cafe and who were visibly distressed, holding a black sign with the Islamic creed written on it up to the window.
The BBC's Security Correspondent Frank Gardner said the flag was similar to but not the same as that used by the Islamic State militant group in the Middle East.
An Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter said that gunfire had been heard at the scene - but this has not been confirmed.
No injuries have been reported from the incident, according to a police spokesperson.
Terror threatTerror threat
Australia has been facing a growing terror threat in recent months, in part connected to the fight against the Islamic State militant group in Syria and Iraq. Police have also said that they are dealing with an "incident" at the Sydney Opera House, which has been evacuated.
About 70 Australians are believed to be fighting in the Middle East while another 20 have returned home. Local media are reporting that a suspicious package was found there on Monday, though it was unclear whether it was connected to the Martin Place incident.
In September, the largest anti-terror raids in Australian history were carried out in Sydney and Brisbane after intelligence emerged that people were planning to carry out random attacks on Australian soil. Speaking in Canberra, Mr Abbott said that the incident was still unfolding, and urged caution. But he said the "whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people out of being themselves".
Only one person was charged with terror offences. "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," he said.
Australia has been facing a growing terror threat in recent months, in part connected to the fight against the Islamic State.
About 70 Australians are believed to be fighting for militant groups in the Middle East while another 20 have returned home.
In September, the largest anti-terror raids in Australian history were carried out in Sydney and Brisbane after intelligence emerged that people were planning to carry out random attacks on Australian soil. One person was charged with terror offences.
Anti-terror legislation was passed in October, which critics said was too severe. Mr Abbott has said the threat meant "the delicate balance between freedom and security may have to shift".Anti-terror legislation was passed in October, which critics said was too severe. Mr Abbott has said the threat meant "the delicate balance between freedom and security may have to shift".
The Lindt Cafe is located in a plaza in the heart of the city's financial and shopping district that is usually packed with shoppers at this time of year.The Lindt Cafe is located in a plaza in the heart of the city's financial and shopping district that is usually packed with shoppers at this time of year.
It is home to the state premier's office and the headquarters of two of the nation's largest banks. It is home to the state premier's office and the headquarters of two of the nation's largest banks. The state parliament house is also only a few streets away.
The state parliament house is also only a few streets away.
Are you in Sydney? Have you witnessed the hostage situation? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in Sydney? Have you witnessed the hostage situation? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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