Sydney siege: Hostages control in Lindt restaurant

The Lindt restaurant  within the middle is encircled by armed police. Officers have created contact with the gunman.Five individuals are seen running from the building. it's not clear what percentage stay within. A black Moslem flag has been displayed at the window.

New South Wales Police deputy commissioner Catherine Burn said: Those individuals area unit currently being assessed to form certain their health is okay so police can visit them.Our approach is to resolve this peacefully. it'd take a trifle of your time however that's our priority, she added.

The incident began as individuals were inward for add Martin Place on Monday. Witnesses saw a person with a bag and gun walk into the Lindt chocolate look and restaurant .Lindt aforementioned concerning ten staff and thirty customers were thought to be within at the time. close offices were exhausted and police asked individuals to stay inside and off from open windows.

Police negotiators were to bear with the gunman, Ms Burn confirmed. The suspect conjointly contacted native news organisations to issue demands that police have urged media to not broadcast.Channel 7, a broadcaster with offices facing the restaurant , aforementioned lights within the premises were clad as night began to fall.