An unidentified terrorist took 20-40 people hostage at the Lindt Café near the Australian Reserve Bank at 9.45am. Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force Andrew Scipione confirmed the presence of hostages at Martin Place, TASS reports.
A flag raised by the terrorist in a window does not coincide with the flag of Islamic State. The terrorist presumably has an explosive belt. Scipione says that the assailant is probably acting alone.
The Sydney Opera House was evacuated when a suspicious object was found.
The terrorist has not harmed any hostages, according to New South Wales Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn.
Two men left the café through the main entrance and one through the emergency exit. It is unclear whether they escaped or were released.
