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Sydney siege: Video shows female hostage draw fingers across throat as stand-off continues Sydney siege: Uber price surge attacked by social media users
(34 minutes later)
One of around 15 hostages held by believed Islamic militants inside a chocolate shop in Sydney has signalled death to frantic onlookers. An international taxi firm provoked outrage after it raised fares on journeys within Sydney during an armed hostage situation – before rapidly reversing its position and announcing free fares.
The unidentified female hostage was captured on camera drawing her thumb across her throat as she stood at the Lindt chocolate shop window in Martin Street, Sydney earlier today. Uber’s prices spiralled as news broke today of the armed Sydney siege – a move that the company claimed was governed by an algorithm and occurs whenever demand rapidly increases within a particular area, in order to encourage the arrival of more drivers.
An unnamed male, wearing a headband with what appears to be Arabic writing on it, took control of the chocolate shop earlier this morning. As authorities cordoned off the area – and a small number of hostages fled to safety – social media users reacted angrily to the global company.
Two Arabic flags have been seen inside the building while the hostage taker – briefly caught on camera – has also claimed to have four bombs. One Australian users wrote: “It's just so nice to know that no matter what happens, @Uber will fight to remain #1 douche company of the world.”
Five hostages, three men and two women - one of whom was pregnant, are known to have escaped from the café and Australian police confirmed one man was currently being treated in hospital. Another: #Uber sees the #SydneySiege as a giant business opportunity, apparently. Lovely people.”
"We do not have any information that suggests that anybody is harmed at this stage," New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn. #Uber price surge, if true, should kill the company. Nobody with any self-respect can abide such behavior. #sydneysiege
The hostage taker also alleges there are two explosive devices inside the café and two further bombs in the financial district. The company has since announced that all fares from the Central Business District (CBD) – where the Lindt chocolate shop is located – will be free for passengers.
Australian authorities were scrambling this morning to shut down parts of the city as many wait to see what the man’s next move will be. In a statement posted on their Australian site, the company said: “We are all concerned with the events happening in Sydney.
Additional reporting by Associated Press “Uber Sydney will be providing free rides out of the CBD to help Sydneysiders get home safely,” they added they would also be refunding fares for passengers.
“Our thoughts are with those affected and the NSW Police Force.”
Uber rides out of the CBD today are free for all riders to help Sydneysiders get home safely. See http://t.co/UIwoom25Bm for more info.