Police have activated Task Force Pioneer, which they use in terrorism related incidents, to handle the pre-Christmas incident
Martin Place a public pedestrian thoroughfare through the heart of the city, joining its parliamentary, legal and retail districts Sydney Opera House, State Library, US consulate and all court houses here have been evacuated.It was not clear exactly how many people remained inside the cafe at Martin Place, a plaza that is packed with holiday shoppers this time of year.
However News reported that about 12 people were being held hostage
Andrew Scipione, the commissioner of the New South Wales police, said at a news briefing that an unknown number of hostages were being held in the cafe by at least one gunman
"We can confirm that one Infosys employee is among the hostages at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney," the company said in a statement without naming the person.
"We are also in the process of confirming the whereabouts of all our other employees in the city. We are in constant touch with the local authorities and Indian consulate in Sydney for updates on the situation on ground," Infosys said.
Just over five hours into the siege, five people, including a woman, were seen running out of the cafe. Two came out through the front door and one through the fire escape. It is still not known whether they were freed or escaped.
Television footage showed people inside the cafe with their hands pressed against the window holding the black flag with Arabic script known as Shahadah, a prayer spoken in mosques daily. The flag displayed was not one specific to the Islamic State terror group, reports said.
The government said there was no clear motivation but the flag appeared to be one commonly used by jihadist groups.
"There is no God but Allah; Mohammed is his messenger" was written on the black flag.
The gunman is being described as being in his forties, wearing a black vest. Police said they are in contact with the gunman.
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