Shafaqna – Daily mail reported “extremist armed with a shotgun, machete and suspected bomb is holding dozens of hostages in Sydney cafe. According to BBC, “at least one gunman is holding staff and customers hostage at a cafe in the Australian city of Sydney.The Lindt café in the central business district is surrounded by armed police. Five people have been seen running from the building. It is not clear how many hostages remain inside. Police say they have made contact with the gunman. PM Tony Abbott described the attack as “terrifying” and said it could be politically motivated. A black Islamic flag has been displayed at the window”.
Timeline of events according to daily mail:
An armed man walked into the cafe in Martin Place at 9.45am
Dozens of people including staff and customers are being held hostage
A black shahada flag is being held up in the window
Reports that hostage-taker has a shotgun and possibly an explosive device
Heavily armed police have sealed off area around the café
Martin Place station is currently closed and buses have been diverted
The Opera House has been evacuated after reports of a ‘suspicious device’
Siege comes just hours after suspect, 25, was arrested in terror raids
Source news and photos: Daily Mail
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