Australia - Martin Place siege: 2 Hostages killed in Lindt Chocolate shop #1

[jojo87]

I'm worried for my sister and Dad. My sister works just over the Bridge in North Sydney. My Dad does his postal run on foot at Broadway. I can also confirm that the ABC HQ's in Ultimo has been shut down and access is via employee ID Badge only. My twin sister works at the ABC and an email was sent to all Sydney staff to that effect. Luckily, she is working from home today.

Thinking of you

 

[sleepinoz]

 

[drsleuth]

Statement released by PM

11.33am: Tony Abbott has just commented on the situation. Jared Owen writes: The Prime Minister has issued a statement: “New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police are currently responding to a reported hostage-taking incident in Martin Place in Sydney.

“I have spoken with NSW Premier Mike Baird and offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance.

“The National Security Committee of Cabinet has also convened for briefings on the situation.

“This is obviously a deeply concerning incident but all Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner.

“We will provide regular updates as further information becomes available.”

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...-workers-held-up/story-e6frg6nf-1227156254036

 

[drsleuth]

 

[sweetcaro]

Sky News Australia ‏@SkyNewsAust 53s53 seconds ago
NSW Police + AFP are raiding several homes in Lakemba right now. More #martinplacesiege #sydneysiege #sydneycafesiege (@PMOnAir)

 

[drsleuth]

Been going for over 2hrs now :-(

 

[RR0004]

Don't know what's wrong with CNN...banner says "Possible Hostage Situation in Sydney". They may want to update that. Sheesh!

 

[zwiebel]

https://mobile.twitter.com/7NewsSydney/status/544281991554662401/photo/1

 

[they'll get you]

I know that shop, I had a coffee there only weeks ago. I see the pics of a beautiful peaceful Martin Place with brilliant blue sky in the background. This is breaking my heart.

I am now furious. C'mon world we have to take a stand and stop turning our heads thinking it'll all go away??? Don't let them get stronger!!

 

[RR0004]

I can't imagine how G-d awful this is for the hostages and their families. Just sickening.

 

[sleepinoz]

There is a police operation underway at Martin Place. Police and emergency services have responded and a number of streets around the area have been closed. The Martin Place train station is also shut.

Police are dealing with an armed incident and specialist officers are attempting to make contact those inside a café.

Some nearby offices have been evacuated as a precaution. Anyone else in the area encompassing Hunter, George, Elizabeth and Macquarie streets bordering Martin Place is directed to remain indoors and away from open windows. Anyone in the vicinity but outside that area is free to leave their buildings.

Police urge members of the public to remain calm and note that an appropriate police presence is in place.
Police urge the media to be responsible in their reporting. Speculation can cause unnecessary alarm. We will attempt to keep you updated and Police will release more information when it has been confirmed.

https://www.facebook.com/nswpoliceforce/posts/10152637740606185

 

[jojo87]

I can't stand this. Going through my twitter feed people are saying there could be as many as forty people in there. Surely that can't be right pretty much all MSM is saying around 13.
Be safe in Sydney. I'm trying to get in touch with my friends and family there.

 

[LJKaust]

Raids happening or happened recently in Lakemba.

 

[zwiebel]

It's almost unbearable seeing those terrified people behind those Christmas decorated windows.

I think these hostage takers have no links to terror orgs and there is a very good chance of everyone being freed if very, very skilled negotiators are used.

 

[madamehdivision]

Elizabeth, Hunter, George and Macquarie Sts closed. Buildings in that vicinity in lockdown and people told to stay indoors. People outside that area are being told to go home. But how? How is anyone going to get home if the train stations etc are closed?!

 

[jojo87]

Removed link made an oops posted the wrong photo. This is the one showing the suspected gunman and its not that clear. Apologies.
http://mobile.twitter.com/vixenswc/status/544292495770013696/photo/1

 

[drsleuth]

Now on channel 7 interviewing people ( didn't catch who they are...camera crew / reporter ) at least who have direct view to front door, saying that there was a suspicious person who entered the sydney hospital & that there is more than 1 terrorist & seem to be held in 2 groups.

Reporter is Glen Connely & states is using woman as human shield.

 

[zwiebel]

I can't stand this. Going through my twitter feed people are saying there could be as many as forty people in there. Surely that can't be right pretty much all MSM is saying around 13.
Be safe in Sydney. I'm trying to get in touch with my friends and family there.

I think that's because the manager told media the cafe CAN hold up to 40 people on a busy day. But there's no telling that many were in there at the time gunmen moved in. (manager was not in cafe when this happened).

 

[Snoods]

Just been told it's being covered on CNN in the states

CNN has it off and on, they've been switching to other things; I'm watching in on the Sky news link someone linked.

Nine news report at least one hostage standing at each window with their hands up to the glass.

Also footage of one hostage motioning her throat could be cut.

Oh my God....this is terrifying.

My daughter had an appointment in Martin palace today @ 10am. She can't reason why she decided to cancel!!!

There is a roundabout at the entrance to the Opera House and I noticed security checking all cars and vans entering for the last several weeks.

Oh my gosh! Thank goodness she's safe.

 

[LJKaust]

Police urging public to stay calm.

I'm really, really concerned about what is going to happen come Australia Day I'm hoping that everyone will have cool heads and not take things out on innocent people and that goes both ways.