12/15/2014
Police are negotiating with an armed offender who has been holding an unknown number of people hostage at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Sydney's Martin Place.
Three people emerged from the building about 4:00pm (AEDT) and they were followed by another two an hour later.
Hostages were earlier seen pressing a black flag with Arabic text against the cafe's windows.
Read the full story and follow our live blog for updates on the siege, which began about 9:40am (AEDT).
Watch live developments from the scene on ABC News 24.
Key points:
- An armed offender is holding an "undisclosed number" of hostages inside the Lindt cafe in central Sydney, police say
- Almost seven hours into the siege, three people were seen running out of the cafe. An hour later another two emerged.
- Lindt Australia executive says about 10 staff and up to 30 customers were inside, but police reject the number is that high.
- Police have been in contact with the gunman, who instructed hostages to contact local media on his behalf
- A black flag with white Arabic writing reading "There is no God but Allah" and "Mohammed is the messenger of God" was waved behind the hostages
- The National Security Committee of Cabinet has met twice; Prime Minister Tony Abbott described incident as "profoundly shocking".
- Updates on road closures and public transport
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A little earlier, 7.30's Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop discussed the latest developments with host Leigh Sales
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