'Islamists' take hostages in Sydney cafe siege: live
Latest
00.05 Twenty hostages have been taken by gunmen – apparently Islamic extremists - at a popular café in Martin Place, the heart of Sydney.
The siege began at the Lindt chocolate shop café at about 9.45am, local time, and has brought the city to a standstill.
Horrifying images have emerged showing hostages holding up a black flag with Arabic writing against the café window which looks out across the busy pedestrian mall in the centre of Sydney’s central business district.
Heavily armed police – some with guns drawn – have surrounded the cafe. Rail and services have been suspended and surrounding streets have been closed.
Police have asked the public to stay away from Martin Place, home to the offices of the nation’s Reserve Bank and some of Australia’s largest companies.
Earlier in the morning, police apparently arrested a man after a counterrorism raid in a Sydney suburb.
source: 'Islamists' take 20 hostages in Sydney cafe siege: live - Telegraph
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God help those victims.. God help them all.
Another source: Martin Place cafe siege | Sydney CBD hostages at Lindt cafe
- As many as 20 hostages taken by gunmen in Sydney cafe
- Black flag with Arab writing held against cafe window
- Armed police seal off local area in Martin Place
- Police earlier arrest man in counter-terror operation
Latest
00.05 Twenty hostages have been taken by gunmen – apparently Islamic extremists - at a popular café in Martin Place, the heart of Sydney.
The siege began at the Lindt chocolate shop café at about 9.45am, local time, and has brought the city to a standstill.
Horrifying images have emerged showing hostages holding up a black flag with Arabic writing against the café window which looks out across the busy pedestrian mall in the centre of Sydney’s central business district.
Heavily armed police – some with guns drawn – have surrounded the cafe. Rail and services have been suspended and surrounding streets have been closed.
Police have asked the public to stay away from Martin Place, home to the offices of the nation’s Reserve Bank and some of Australia’s largest companies.
Earlier in the morning, police apparently arrested a man after a counterrorism raid in a Sydney suburb.
source: 'Islamists' take 20 hostages in Sydney cafe siege: live - Telegraph
.............................
God help those victims.. God help them all.
Another source: Martin Place cafe siege | Sydney CBD hostages at Lindt cafe