Gunman holds dozens hostage in Sydney café (video)

People have been taken hostage in the centre of Sidney. The staff and clients of the café Lindt near the building of the Central Bank have been captured. There are at least 13 hostages. However, there were up to 10 staff members and about 30 clients in the building.

The terrorist has made three hostages raise their hands and hold a flag with an inscription in Arabic near a window, BBC reports. The flag resembles those used by terrorists from Islamic State.

The district is encircled by the police. People have been evacuated from the buildings situated nearby (including the Sydney Opera Theatre – false reports about bombs installed there had been received). Members of special troops and military equipment have been sent to the area.

A meeting of the National Security Committee has already begun. Australian PM Antony Abbot has addressed citizens: “Australians should be sure that the police and security services are well-prepared and equipped with everything they need. They are professionals,” the PM claimed. The terrorist’s (or terrorists’) demands are still unknown but the motive may be political, he noted.

There may be 2 terrorists in the building, RIA Novosti reports. They are wearing backpacks and belts resembling explosive belts. However, the police have not confirmed it. There was an armed man standing next to one of the hostages, they say. Moreover, the police do not think that it is a terrorist act at the moment.

There hostages have fled from the building. The police are negotiating with the terrorist.

Photo: Reuters