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Title: Hostages taken in Lindt Chocolate shop by armed robber (Sydney Australia, ISIS flag seen displayed)
Source:
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URL Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/ma ... 531d8f88675cc4783b16186feffaae
Published: Dec 14, 2014
Author: staff
Post Date: 2014-12-14 20:32:34 by out damned spot
Keywords: Australia, Hostages, ISIS
Views: 490
Live Streaming *Armed man filmed with black headband with Arabic writing *As many as 13 hostages held in Lindt Cafe in Martin Place *At least two gunmen took over cafe just before 10am *Opera House evacuated as a precaution *Customers and staff locked in David Jones in Elizabeth Street AN ARMED man has been spotted through the door of the Lindt Cafe in Sydney’s Martin Place where at least 13 hostages are being held. The man, who was captured by Seven News cameras, appears to be wearing a black headband with Arabic writing on it and a backpack. Witnesses described seeing cafe staff and shoppers pinned up against the building’s front window, with their arms raised and a black and white Islamic flag in the window. At least two gunmen are believed to be in the cafe. Prime Minister Tony Abbott has spoken to the NSW Premier and the National Security Committee of Cabinet has also convened for briefings on the siege. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said the ongoing siege was a ‘deeply concerning incident’. “This is obviously a deeply concerning incident but all Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner,” the statement read. A squad of heavily armed specialist police officers have gathered on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Martin Place. It is believed six Black Hawk helicopters with troops on board are headed to the city. Customers and staff at David Jones in Elizabeth Street have been locked in the department store while NSW Parliament has been shut down to the public. Police have cordoned off a huge chunk of the CBD as worried crowds gather at the perimeter. Castlereagh Street is swarming with hundreds of shocked onlookers and media personnel. All schools and government buildings in the city are in lockdown. A number of senior level state government officials are holed up in their Martin Place offices, overlooking the siege below. They are awaiting instructions from police. One government source said they could see the terrified faces of the hostages looking up at them. The area was shut down and scores of police are surrounding the building after the alarm was raised about 9.45am. The Opera House has been abandoned following the discovery of a suspicious package. Police are investigating however it is not known if it is linked to the siege at Martin Place. Police have closed off Martin Place between Macquarie and Elizabeth Streets, and Martin Place train station has been cleared. Police have cordoned off the area to about 150m and a special police operations unit is outside the building. Public transport between Central and Bondi Junction has been stopped. Buses are diverting away from Elizabeth St and Hunter St. Police are investigating reports of a suspicious package at the Opera House however they believe it is not related to the siege at Martin Place. Police said they were receiving a host of reports all over Sydney from alarmed citizens. There are various road closures in place and motorists are advised to stay away from the area. In September Federal Police made a host of arrests after allegedly uncovering a plot to abduct a random Australian and execute them by beheading in a public place, possibly Martin Place and post the act on social media. Just before 10am it is believed an attempted robbery was taking place when the offender then took a number of hostages inside the Lindt Chocolate shop. The area has been cordoned off and police are urging people to stay away. Police do not know how many hostages are in the shop or what the offender is armed with. The Lindt shop is usually very busy with four or five staff at this time. (More pics and Tweets on the site) 
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