Feature

Gunman takes hostages inside Sydney Cafe

Gunman takes hostages inside Sydney Cafe
Pictures showing hostages with their hands up against a window, holding a black flag with Arabic writing. (Photo: nytimes)

The Australian High Commission said currently they have no information if there are any Fijians among the hostages at the Lindt cafe in the centre of Sydney.

A spokesperson from the Australian High Commission said the situation is fluid and they are recommending that anyone in the area follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media. 

The Commission said anyone concerned about their relatives in Sydney should try and make contact with them to re‑assure themselves of their safety.

According BBC, several people have been taken hostage by at least one armed man.

Hundreds of armed police have sealed off the normally busy Martin Place in Sydney's central business district.

At least three people have been seen inside the cafe with their hands up against a window, and holding up a black flag with Arabic writing.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the incident as "deeply concerning".

He said it was not yet clear who was behind the incident but that it could be politically motivated, and that the National Security Committee had been briefed.

New South Wales Police Commissioner said the situation was not being treated as a terror incident, but confirmed there was "an armed offender in the premises holding an undisclosed number of hostages".

Martin Place is a public pedestrian thoroughfare through the heart of Sydney, joining its parliamentary, legal and retail districts.

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
Scoreboard
3:00PM
Nadi vs Naitasiri
3:00PM
Tailevu vs Nadroga
1:00PM
Nadi vs Namosi
1:00PM
Suva vs Nasinu
Full Time
Palace 3–1 Nottm Forest
Full Time
Hull 2–2 Everton
Full Time
Liverpool 0–3 Man City
Full Time
All Blacks 43–21 Australia
9:05pm
Fiji Bati vs Australia
3:15pm
Bulikula vs PNG Orchids