This article is from the source 'independent' 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.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/sydney-lindt-cafe-siege-hostages-display-islamic-flag-as-up-to-20-people-are-held-by-armed-man-9924641.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 19 Version 20
Sydney siege: Five hostages escape Lindt cafe as suspected gunman with Islamic flag is named locally as 'Sheikh' Man Haron Monis Sydney siege: Police storm Lindt cafe in hail of gunfire to bring hostage crisis to dramatic end
(35 minutes later)
The siege in Sydney was declared over after police stormed the Lindt cafe in the city's Central Business District and several hostages fled the scene. Armed police fired automatic weapons and threw stun grenades as they stormed the Sydney café where a self-styled Islamic cleric had taken up to 20 people hostage to bring a dramatic end to the siege that had lasted 17 hours.
Loud yelling and screams were heard as a series of explosions and rapid gunfire was came from inside the cafe. Moments after at least five more hostages had fled the scene in terror, loud yelling and screams were heard amid a series of explosions and rapid gunfire as armed police, followed by a bomb squad and detection robots, moved into the building.
One police officer has reportedly been injured and Australia's 7 news at least seven people were carried away on stretchers, five of whom were being treated by paramedics. Two people have been killed, according to some local reports, and up to five seriously injured, but New South Wales Police have said they cannot confirm this.
Reports have emerged that two people died during the siege, but New South Wales police have said they cannot confirm this. The state of the gunman, who has been identified as a Iranian refugee Man Haron Monis is currently unknown, but police have declared "the siege is over".
One police officer has reportedly been injured and Australia's 7 News said that at least seven people were carried away on stretchers, five of whom were being treated by paramedics.
An injured hostage is wheeled to an ambulance after shots were fired during the cafe siege in Sydney Paramedics carrying stretchers could be seen running towards the cafe in the moments after the flashes and explosions happened, as hostages ran from the building with their arms aloft at 2am local time.An injured hostage is wheeled to an ambulance after shots were fired during the cafe siege in Sydney Paramedics carrying stretchers could be seen running towards the cafe in the moments after the flashes and explosions happened, as hostages ran from the building with their arms aloft at 2am local time.
The families of the hostages are reportedly close by and Sky News reports at least nine people, who all appear to be hostages, have left the building.The families of the hostages are reportedly close by and Sky News reports at least nine people, who all appear to be hostages, have left the building.
Hostages flee the building in Sydney The gunman who had been keeping the hostages for over 15 hours has been named by police as a self-styled cleric who runs an pro-Islamic website and is reportedly on bail for accessory to the murder of his ex-wife. An injured hostage is wheeled to an ambulance after shots were fired during the cafe siege in Sydney A blood-stained stretcher is wheeled to an ambulance after shots were fired during the cafe siege in Sydney The gunman who had been keeping the hostages for over 15 hours has been named by police as a self-styled cleric who runs an pro-Islamic website and is reportedly on bail for accessory to the murder of his ex-wife.
Iranian refugee Man Haron Monis, who has been reported as either 49 or 50 years old, moved to Australia in 1996 where he assumed the title of “Sheikh Haron”.Iranian refugee Man Haron Monis, who has been reported as either 49 or 50 years old, moved to Australia in 1996 where he assumed the title of “Sheikh Haron”.
Well-known to the authorities since he was found to have written hate letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed in overseas conflicts, Monis operates an extremist website, YouTube channel, Facebook and Twitter pages in which he describes his various police charges as part of a witch hunt against him. Man Haron Monis Well-known to the authorities since he was found to have written hate letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed in overseas conflicts, Monis operates an extremist website, YouTube channel, Facebook and Twitter pages in which he describes his various police charges as part of a witch hunt against him.
He was also banned in 2010 from writing similar "letters of condolence" to British soldiers killed in that conflict. He was charged with being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife and mother of his two children last year, The Age reported.He was also banned in 2010 from writing similar "letters of condolence" to British soldiers killed in that conflict. He was charged with being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife and mother of his two children last year, The Age reported.
It is believed Monis is out on bail after he was arrested earlier this year over sexual assault allegations stemming from 2002.It is believed Monis is out on bail after he was arrested earlier this year over sexual assault allegations stemming from 2002.
Police in that case alleged he put adverts in his local paper claiming to be a spiritual healer with expertise in astrology, numerology, meditation and black magic, and indecently and sexually assaulted a woman who visited him.Police in that case alleged he put adverts in his local paper claiming to be a spiritual healer with expertise in astrology, numerology, meditation and black magic, and indecently and sexually assaulted a woman who visited him.
It is alleged he told the woman the attacks were part of a spiritual healing technique, and he warned the alleged victim not to tell anyone about them.It is alleged he told the woman the attacks were part of a spiritual healing technique, and he warned the alleged victim not to tell anyone about them.
"There's no operational reason for that name to be held back by us now," said a police source, who declined to be identified."There's no operational reason for that name to be held back by us now," said a police source, who declined to be identified.
  On his website, which has now been taken down but featured graphic pictures of dead children he claims were killed as a result of US air strikes, Haron posted an update yesterday that read: On his website, which has now been taken down but featured graphic pictures of dead children he claims were killed as a result of US air strikes, Haron posted an update yesterday that read:
"Islam is the religion of peace, that's why Muslims fight against the oppression and terrorism of USA and its allies including UK and Australia. If we stay silent towards the criminals we cannot have a peaceful society. The more you fight with crime, the more peaceful you are. Islam wants peace on the Earth, that's why Muslims want to stop terrorism of America and its allies. When you speak out against crime you have taken one step towards peace.""Islam is the religion of peace, that's why Muslims fight against the oppression and terrorism of USA and its allies including UK and Australia. If we stay silent towards the criminals we cannot have a peaceful society. The more you fight with crime, the more peaceful you are. Islam wants peace on the Earth, that's why Muslims want to stop terrorism of America and its allies. When you speak out against crime you have taken one step towards peace."
An earlier update reads: "I used to be a Rafidi, but not any more. Now I am a Muslim, Alhamdu Lillah".An earlier update reads: "I used to be a Rafidi, but not any more. Now I am a Muslim, Alhamdu Lillah".
In one video posted on his YouTube channel, Haron can be seen holding a placard that says "I have been tortured in prison for my political letters".In one video posted on his YouTube channel, Haron can be seen holding a placard that says "I have been tortured in prison for my political letters".
Man Haron Monis in a video posted on his YouTube channel On his Twitter account, Haron has posted numerous messages in support of "Team Islam" and criticising "racist and terrorist Australians".Man Haron Monis in a video posted on his YouTube channel On his Twitter account, Haron has posted numerous messages in support of "Team Islam" and criticising "racist and terrorist Australians".
الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر ALLAHU AKBAR - ALLAHU AKBAR - ALLAHU AKBAR Team Islam Against Oppression &... http://t.co/N0SiLuOqzkالله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر ALLAHU AKBAR - ALLAHU AKBAR - ALLAHU AKBAR Team Islam Against Oppression &... http://t.co/N0SiLuOqzk
  
THIS IS TEAM ISLAM AGAINST AUSTRALIAN OPPRESSION & TERRORISM. LIKE THE PAGE AND JOIN THE TEAM IF YOU ARE AGAINST... http://t.co/qp3WT5guhWTHIS IS TEAM ISLAM AGAINST AUSTRALIAN OPPRESSION & TERRORISM. LIKE THE PAGE AND JOIN THE TEAM IF YOU ARE AGAINST... http://t.co/qp3WT5guhW
  
Around 15 hostages were seized after the gunman entered the Lindt chocolate cafe on Martin Place in the city's busy financial and shopping district on Monday carrying a black Islamic flag at around 9.45am local time.Around 15 hostages were seized after the gunman entered the Lindt chocolate cafe on Martin Place in the city's busy financial and shopping district on Monday carrying a black Islamic flag at around 9.45am local time.
Five hostages have escaped the siege and hundreds of police remain encamped around the shop in Martin Place. The gunman has reportedly told police that he has planted four bombs around the city.Five hostages have escaped the siege and hundreds of police remain encamped around the shop in Martin Place. The gunman has reportedly told police that he has planted four bombs around the city.
Two hostages hold up a black flag inscribed with Arabic writing at the window of the café in Sydney As the siege continued and evening descended, one employee was seen turning the lights of the cafe off - plunging the shop into complete darkness. Hundreds of police and emergency services remain in the area and negotiators have been in direct contact with the gunman.Two hostages hold up a black flag inscribed with Arabic writing at the window of the café in Sydney As the siege continued and evening descended, one employee was seen turning the lights of the cafe off - plunging the shop into complete darkness. Hundreds of police and emergency services remain in the area and negotiators have been in direct contact with the gunman.
Earlier, dramatic footage showed five people - three men and two women - managing to flee the scene.Earlier, dramatic footage showed five people - three men and two women - managing to flee the scene.
It is understood the five, some of whom were wearing brown aprons with the Lindt logo on them, escaped rather than being released by the gunman. One woman who escaped has been widely named as Elly Chen.It is understood the five, some of whom were wearing brown aprons with the Lindt logo on them, escaped rather than being released by the gunman. One woman who escaped has been widely named as Elly Chen.
As the siege unfolded, two people inside the cafe were seen holding up a flag with an Islamic declaration of faith that has often been used by extremists, fuelling speculation that it was the work of an Islamic extremist. He has since reportedly requested an Isis flag, with some outlets reporting that he took the wrong flag into the cafe.As the siege unfolded, two people inside the cafe were seen holding up a flag with an Islamic declaration of faith that has often been used by extremists, fuelling speculation that it was the work of an Islamic extremist. He has since reportedly requested an Isis flag, with some outlets reporting that he took the wrong flag into the cafe.
A female hostage stands by the front entrance of the cafe as she turns the lights off Armed tactical response police personnel stand watch into the evening near a cafe under siege by a gunman at Martin Place It was not clear exactly how many people remain inside the cafe although staff at Channel 7, a TV news channel which has offices directly opposite the cafe, counted about 15 different faces among hostages forced up against the windows.A female hostage stands by the front entrance of the cafe as she turns the lights off Armed tactical response police personnel stand watch into the evening near a cafe under siege by a gunman at Martin Place It was not clear exactly how many people remain inside the cafe although staff at Channel 7, a TV news channel which has offices directly opposite the cafe, counted about 15 different faces among hostages forced up against the windows.
Chris Reason, a reporter at Channel 7, said the man carried what appeared to be a pump-action shotgun, was unshaven and wore a white shirt and a black cap.Chris Reason, a reporter at Channel 7, said the man carried what appeared to be a pump-action shotgun, was unshaven and wore a white shirt and a black cap.
Mr Reason also reported that the lights in the cafe have now been turned off, adding that the black flag can still be seen being held up against the window.Mr Reason also reported that the lights in the cafe have now been turned off, adding that the black flag can still be seen being held up against the window.
He claimed the gunman could be seen "getting extremely agitated" and was shouting at the remaining hostages when the five people escaped earlier today.He claimed the gunman could be seen "getting extremely agitated" and was shouting at the remaining hostages when the five people escaped earlier today.
Police have confirmed that negotiators have made contact with the gunman, who is also thought to be middle-aged.Police have confirmed that negotiators have made contact with the gunman, who is also thought to be middle-aged.
Sky News has also reported that the gunman used some of the hostages as human shields in the window.Sky News has also reported that the gunman used some of the hostages as human shields in the window.
He is understood to have have made known a list of his demands to local news organisation through phone calls made from inside the cafe. He is understood to have have made known a list of his demands to local news organisation through phone calls made from inside the cafe. 
New South Wales Police has requested that media organisations do not repeat the gunman's demands or relay what the hostages have said during these calls.New South Wales Police has requested that media organisations do not repeat the gunman's demands or relay what the hostages have said during these calls.
Australia's Channel Ten has reported that he told police that he had placed two bombs in the city's central business district and had a further two in the cafe with him.Australia's Channel Ten has reported that he told police that he had placed two bombs in the city's central business district and had a further two in the cafe with him.
Channel Ten also claims to have received a video in which a hostage has relayed the gunman's demands, according to its anchor Hugh Riminton, who said that the video will not be broadcast in accordance with police requests.Channel Ten also claims to have received a video in which a hostage has relayed the gunman's demands, according to its anchor Hugh Riminton, who said that the video will not be broadcast in accordance with police requests.
Two hostages run for cover behind a policeman during a hostage siege in a cafe in Sydney (AFP) A hostage runs towards a police officer outside a cafe, where other hostages are being held in Sydney (Reuters) A hostage runs towards a police officer outside a cafe, where other hostages are being held, in Martin Place in central Sydney (Reuters)Two hostages run for cover behind a policeman during a hostage siege in a cafe in Sydney (AFP) A hostage runs towards a police officer outside a cafe, where other hostages are being held in Sydney (Reuters) A hostage runs towards a police officer outside a cafe, where other hostages are being held, in Martin Place in central Sydney (Reuters)
Police are not providing details on the operation and whether it was the force who have turned off the lights or the people inside the building, and have not confirmed whether the five people who escaped the building did so by their own means or were set free by the gunman.Police are not providing details on the operation and whether it was the force who have turned off the lights or the people inside the building, and have not confirmed whether the five people who escaped the building did so by their own means or were set free by the gunman.
Police negotiators have revealed they suspect they now know the name of the gunman, but have asked media not to reveal his identity.Police negotiators have revealed they suspect they now know the name of the gunman, but have asked media not to reveal his identity.
New South Wales's Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said at a press conference: "I understand that no one has been injured, and if that is true then we are grateful."New South Wales's Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said at a press conference: "I understand that no one has been injured, and if that is true then we are grateful."
"Our only goal is to get those people who are currently caught in that building out of there safely. Nothing will change.""Our only goal is to get those people who are currently caught in that building out of there safely. Nothing will change."
Footage broadcast earlier on Sky News showed two men running towards a group of police around what appeared to be a fire escape door. In a separate shot another man, wearing a brown apron, was seen running out through the door.Footage broadcast earlier on Sky News showed two men running towards a group of police around what appeared to be a fire escape door. In a separate shot another man, wearing a brown apron, was seen running out through the door.
This video image shows the suspected hostage-taker inside the cafeThis video image shows the suspected hostage-taker inside the cafe
Mr Reason claimed there were around 15 hostages, “a mix of women, men, young and old,” who are being forced to stand against windows for up to two hours at a time.Mr Reason claimed there were around 15 hostages, “a mix of women, men, young and old,” who are being forced to stand against windows for up to two hours at a time.
He reports that food was apparently being delivered to the hostages, with “staff bringing it out from kitchen at the back”.He reports that food was apparently being delivered to the hostages, with “staff bringing it out from kitchen at the back”.
New South Wales's Premier Mike Baird thanked the police, and said: "Earlier tonight the commissioner and I also had a conference call with the Islamic leaders. They expressed their full confidence and support with what the NSW police are doing, and the commissioner and I thank them for it.New South Wales's Premier Mike Baird thanked the police, and said: "Earlier tonight the commissioner and I also had a conference call with the Islamic leaders. They expressed their full confidence and support with what the NSW police are doing, and the commissioner and I thank them for it.
"We are in this together.""We are in this together."
Mr Baird said there will be an exclusion zone in place around Martin Place in the morning, and has urged those whose offices are inside the exclusion zone to work from home, while he said the rest of Sydney will be operating as normal.Mr Baird said there will be an exclusion zone in place around Martin Place in the morning, and has urged those whose offices are inside the exclusion zone to work from home, while he said the rest of Sydney will be operating as normal.
Addressing reporters, New South Wales Police deputy commissioner Catherine Burn said: “Our approach is to resolve this peacefully, it might take a while but that is our approach.Addressing reporters, New South Wales Police deputy commissioner Catherine Burn said: “Our approach is to resolve this peacefully, it might take a while but that is our approach.
“We will be working into the night if this situation continues,” she added, describing the situation as a “sensitive negotiation” and said police are “working through this methodically to make sure nobody is injured”.“We will be working into the night if this situation continues,” she added, describing the situation as a “sensitive negotiation” and said police are “working through this methodically to make sure nobody is injured”.
The police have urged “business as usual” for people in Sydney, though Sydney Opera House has reportedly cancelled performances for Monday night and the building was evacuated after reports of a suspicious device.The police have urged “business as usual” for people in Sydney, though Sydney Opera House has reportedly cancelled performances for Monday night and the building was evacuated after reports of a suspicious device.
Burn said earlier that police are with the people that had escaped, and that "the first thing that we are doing is making sure that they are okay. We will then establish who they are, and then we will continue to work with them".Burn said earlier that police are with the people that had escaped, and that "the first thing that we are doing is making sure that they are okay. We will then establish who they are, and then we will continue to work with them".
A black flag with white Arabic writing is held up at the window of the Lindt cafe She said police negotiators were in contact and nobody had been harmed, adding: "We have been working through our negotiations to try to make sure that the people inside are cared for, that they have what they need, so that they don't become ill or injured, so we will continue to do that."A black flag with white Arabic writing is held up at the window of the Lindt cafe She said police negotiators were in contact and nobody had been harmed, adding: "We have been working through our negotiations to try to make sure that the people inside are cared for, that they have what they need, so that they don't become ill or injured, so we will continue to do that."
  
Police closed roads in the area and also stopped some trains from running after the alert was raised at about 9.45am on Monday local time. The flag seen in the window is believed to be the Shahada, which carries a message that translates as: "There is no deity of worship except God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger of God." Police closed roads in the area and also stopped some trains from running after the alert was raised at about 9.45am on Monday local time. The flag seen in the window is believed to be the Shahada, which carries a message that translates as: "There is no deity of worship except God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger of God." 
Armed police officers were seen outside the café with their guns drawn, and a man with a backpack inside the cafe could be seen walking back and forth in front of the glass doors. The building it is in contains a number of state government bodies.Armed police officers were seen outside the café with their guns drawn, and a man with a backpack inside the cafe could be seen walking back and forth in front of the glass doors. The building it is in contains a number of state government bodies.
Police closed roads in the area and also stopped some trains from running after the alert was raised at about 9.45am on Monday local time. The newsroom at broadcaster Channel7, which is about 30 metres away, was evacuated.Police closed roads in the area and also stopped some trains from running after the alert was raised at about 9.45am on Monday local time. The newsroom at broadcaster Channel7, which is about 30 metres away, was evacuated.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it was unclear if the siege was politically motivated.Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it was unclear if the siege was politically motivated.
"We don't yet know if this is politically motivated, although there are some indications that it might be," Abbott told reporters in Canberra."We don't yet know if this is politically motivated, although there are some indications that it might be," Abbott told reporters in Canberra.
"This is a very disturbing incident. I can understand the concerns and anxieties of the Australia people," Abbott said, without providing any information on the unfolding siege."This is a very disturbing incident. I can understand the concerns and anxieties of the Australia people," Abbott said, without providing any information on the unfolding siege.
Mr Abbott's office earlier released a statement: "New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police are currently responding to a reported hostage-taking incident in Martin Place in Sydney.Mr Abbott's office earlier released a statement: "New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police are currently responding to a reported hostage-taking incident in Martin Place in Sydney.
To clarify, Ray Hadley was contacted by the hostage, the call was taken off air and then confirmed by the Police Commissioner.To clarify, Ray Hadley was contacted by the hostage, the call was taken off air and then confirmed by the Police Commissioner.
"I have spoken with NSW Premier Mike Baird and offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance."I have spoken with NSW Premier Mike Baird and offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance.
"The National Security Committee of Cabinet has also convened for briefings on the situation.""The National Security Committee of Cabinet has also convened for briefings on the situation."
“This is chilling,” said Kylie Gillies, host of Channel7’s The Morning Show as she watched events from the studio.“This is chilling,” said Kylie Gillies, host of Channel7’s The Morning Show as she watched events from the studio.
Talk radio presenter Ray Hadley claimed on Twitter that he was rung by a hostage while on air. He took the call off air and the station, 2GB, then said that the NSW police commissioner has confirmed this.Talk radio presenter Ray Hadley claimed on Twitter that he was rung by a hostage while on air. He took the call off air and the station, 2GB, then said that the NSW police commissioner has confirmed this.
Police close a street where a cafe is being used to hold hostages in the central business district of Sydney Her colleague Shelly Horton, a journalist with the station, tweeted: “Terrifying siege in Martin Place. Those poor hostages. My @themorningshowon7 @sunriseon7 friends have been evacuated.”Police close a street where a cafe is being used to hold hostages in the central business district of Sydney Her colleague Shelly Horton, a journalist with the station, tweeted: “Terrifying siege in Martin Place. Those poor hostages. My @themorningshowon7 @sunriseon7 friends have been evacuated.”
An employee of the cafe said her "heart just sank" when she recognised three of the hostages on television.An employee of the cafe said her "heart just sank" when she recognised three of the hostages on television.
Kathryn Chee was about to start work at the Lindt chocolate cafe in Martin Place when news of the siege broke.Kathryn Chee was about to start work at the Lindt chocolate cafe in Martin Place when news of the siege broke.
She said the first pictures she saw were "three people she knew" standing with their hands up against the cafe's window.She said the first pictures she saw were "three people she knew" standing with their hands up against the cafe's window.
"I was shocked, I didn't know what to do," she told ABC News Australia. "I started calling work. I called my kitchen manager and he didn't pick up the phone. My heart just sank.""I was shocked, I didn't know what to do," she told ABC News Australia. "I started calling work. I called my kitchen manager and he didn't pick up the phone. My heart just sank."
As Sydney-siders learned of the hostage situation, there was a sense of shock at such an incident of apparent terrorism in Australia.As Sydney-siders learned of the hostage situation, there was a sense of shock at such an incident of apparent terrorism in Australia.
Katie Buckley, who left London last year to live in Sydney, spoke to London Live about people in the city finding the event both confusing and scary, because "nothing like this happens in Sydney: it's a very safe, calm, very chilled-out city.Katie Buckley, who left London last year to live in Sydney, spoke to London Live about people in the city finding the event both confusing and scary, because "nothing like this happens in Sydney: it's a very safe, calm, very chilled-out city.
"This threat of terrorism, that I guess Europe and America are a bit more used too, is something quite new here...it's something scary and new for Australian society.""This threat of terrorism, that I guess Europe and America are a bit more used too, is something quite new here...it's something scary and new for Australian society."
Earlier on Monday, police arrested a 25-year-old man in the city as part of operations to disrupt the flow of money and fighters to conflict zones such as those in Iraq and Syria.Earlier on Monday, police arrested a 25-year-old man in the city as part of operations to disrupt the flow of money and fighters to conflict zones such as those in Iraq and Syria.
The police commissioner confirmed that the two incidents were not in any way linked.The police commissioner confirmed that the two incidents were not in any way linked.
John Key, the New Zealand Prime Minister, is one of the world leaders to have sent messages of support to Mr Abbott.John Key, the New Zealand Prime Minister, is one of the world leaders to have sent messages of support to Mr Abbott.
I’ve contacted Prime Minister @TonyAbbottMHR to let him know our thoughts are with the people of Australia today.I’ve contacted Prime Minister @TonyAbbottMHR to let him know our thoughts are with the people of Australia today.
Australia is on high alert for attacks by radicalised Muslims or by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East, having raised its threat level to high and undertaken a series of high-profile raids in major cities.Australia is on high alert for attacks by radicalised Muslims or by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East, having raised its threat level to high and undertaken a series of high-profile raids in major cities.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said that at least 70 Australians were fighting in Iraq and Syria backed by about 100 Australia-based "facilitators".Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said that at least 70 Australians were fighting in Iraq and Syria backed by about 100 Australia-based "facilitators".
Reuters contributed to this reportReuters contributed to this report