UPDATED 15 December: Flights rerouted, trains delayed, Travel Indochina’s Sydney office closed and three hostages have been released.
Some flights are being rerouted away from Sydney’s CBD over a suspected terror threat in the banking and retail district of Martin Place.
Qantas has tweeted all its flights are being diverted around Sydney CBD but are operating as per schedule. Virgin Australia said it doesn’t fly over Sydney’s CBD airspace and flights are operating as usual.
Airservices Australia said air space had not been shut down.
However, eastern suburb trains through Martin place have been suspended and buses to the area have also been diverted.
Hostages forced to hold ‘Islamic flag’ signs against the cafe window
Meanwhile, Travel Indochina’s Sydney office has closed due to the situation, with all staff asked to go home.
A statement from the company says they expect to be operational on Tuesday 16 December, but until then has the reservations team working remotely with a skeleton staff.
All non-urgent questions can be directed to travelindo@travelindochina.com.au.
Police have confirmed a hostage situation is taking at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe.
Police are said to have been alerted by a woman at 9.44am when she saw a man outside the cafe carrying a blue sports bag with a gun inside.
.@nswpolice operation at #MartinPlace. Streets r now closed in the area. #EasternSuburbs rail services suspended. Public asked to stay away
— City of Sydney (@cityofsydney) December 14, 2014
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said an ‘undisclosed number’ of staff and customers inside are being held at gunpoint by at least one gunman.
NSW Police have confirmed that five hostages have ’emerged’ from the cafe and negotiators are still working on resolving the situation peacefully.
Police said they are responding to the situation like it is a terrorist incident, however there has been no confirmation that this is the case.
Hostages were allegedly being forced to hold an ‘Islamic flag’ – black material with white writing – against the cafe’s window earlier this morning.
A NSW Police spokesperson told people to stay away from Martin Place while they deal with the situation.
Some buildings such as The Channel Seven studio have been evacuated, while others earlier in the day were being told they cannot leave the building.
A police statement:
“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.”
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