This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-30473983

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Sydney siege: Hostages held in central cafe Sydney siege: Hostages held in central cafe
(30 minutes later)
Several people have been taken hostage by at least one armed man at a Lindt cafe in the centre of Sydney.Several people have been taken hostage by at least one armed man at a Lindt cafe in the centre of Sydney.
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.
At least three people have been seen inside the cafe with their hands up against a window, and holding up a black flag with Arabic writing.At least three people have been seen inside the cafe with their hands up against a window, and holding up 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".
He said it was not yet clear who was behind the incident but that it could be politically motivated. He said it was not yet clear who was behind the incident but that it could be politically motivated, and that the National Security Committee had been briefed.
In a news conference, he said the National Security Committee had been briefed, and urged Australians to go about their lives but to be alert.
"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."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.
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". New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the situation was not being treated as a terror incident, but confirmed there was "an armed offender in the premises holding an undisclosed number of hostages".
The police said nearby offices had been evacuated as a precaution and asked people to remain indoors and away from open windows. He said the situation was contained in Martin Place - dismissing various reports of other incidents around the city - and that police were "doing all we can to bring this to a peaceful outcome".
But he said police had not been in direct contact with the suspect.
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.
In pictures: Sydney cafe siegeIn pictures: Sydney cafe siege
The incident began as people were arriving for work in Martin Place on Monday morning.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.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.
The Lindt company said about 10 employees and 30 customers were thought to be inside. The Lindt company said about 10 employees and 30 customers were thought to be inside. Nearby offices were evacuated and police asked people to remain indoors and away from open windows.
Shortly after, television footage showed at least three 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.Shortly after, television footage showed at least three 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.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.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.No injuries have been reported from the incident, according to a police spokesperson.
Martin Place 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.Martin Place 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.
Courts in the business district have been closed for the day, and a number of banks have said they will not open.Courts in the business district have been closed for the day, and a number of banks have said they will not open.
Australia's terror threat timelineAustralia's terror threat timeline
Timeline: Australia's terror threatTimeline: Australia's terror threat
Terror threatTerror threat
Police have also said that they are dealing with an "incident" at the Sydney Opera House, which has been evacuated. Police also said earlier that they were dealing with an "incident" at the Sydney Opera House, which was briefly evacuated.
Local media are reporting that a suspicious package was found there on Monday, though it was unclear whether it was related. Local media are reporting that a suspicious package was found there on Monday, but the evacuation appeared to be unrelated to the Martin Place incident.
Speaking in Canberra, Mr Abbott said that the Martin Place 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".Speaking in Canberra, Mr Abbott said that the Martin Place 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".
"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 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.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.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.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".
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.
If you are willing to talk to a BBC journalist, please leave your number.If you are willing to talk to a BBC journalist, please leave your number.
Have your sayHave your say
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (international). Or you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (international). Or you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions.Read the terms and conditions.