A New South Wales (NSW) Police Force spokesman said the police had yet to identify the hostages comprising staff and patrons at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe.
“We are unable to determine the nationalities of the hostages at the moment. Our operations are ongoing and I urge the public to remain calm,” she told Bernama via telephone.
International news reports said an armed militant had taken about 40 to 50 people hostage at the cafe located at the Martin Place.
Reuters reported that the siege began at 9.44am when a woman outside the cafe saw a man carrying a sports bag containing what appeared to be a gun.
She alerted the police who approached the man who had by then entered the cafe.
Meanwhile, the NSW Police Force website said a police operation was underway, adding the police and emergency services had responded and a number of streets around the area, closed, including the Martin Place train station.
The police have urged the media to be responsible in their reporting.
“Speculation (speculative reports) can cause unnecessary alarm. We will attempt to keep you updated and the police will release more information when it has been confirmed,” said the website.
— BERNAMA
