Australia, ISIS, hostages

[Theredandthewhite]

What the bloody hell is going on? Poor people

Fingers crossed they all leave unharmed

Dear god they have closed the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Very scary.

My best friend lives in Sydney and works in the financial district. Just texted her but no reply. I'm sure she is fine and just busy but you can't help worry when there are such evil maniacs nearby

Praying everyone is safe. It must be completely terrifying for the hostages.

And now they are saying it is not closed down, there was an accident in one lane... so where did all the instructions on how to avoid the bridge come from?

Apparently all mobile phone coverage is down in the area around the cafe so that could be why she hasn't responded Cider

For those who do not know Sydney, the café is very close to the Reserve Bank HQ and also the NSW State Parliament. It is an absolutely prime spot of power and influence.
I hope it is not a diversion with something else big to go off somewhere else.
I have heard that Australia's Muslim communities are uniting to offer whatever help they can to authorities.

Sydney is a large city so I would not be concerned unless they were actually in the CBD in the cafe. Everyone I know who is actually caught up in this are saying the evacuations were orderly if scary.

I think Muslims are just as shocked as the rest of us over this and likely to bear the brunt of it in coming days and weeks. This is a gift to the prejudiced people.

Thanks StUmb.

She's just replied! Been in that cafe many times but not today. She is safe in office but they are evacuating more and more buildings.

DH is just up the road at Pitt St Mall and has been advised to stay put by now.

We might be scared but the general feeling is more fury.

The Bridge isn't closed but obviously trying to keep everyone away.

I hope the hostages are OK. DS2 and I were at the zoo today.

Glad I decided to drive rather than bus/ferry.

Bastards.

RT is reporting 10 staff and 'up to 30' customers are being held according to Lindt Australia. I hope they all get out of this safely.

3 Hostages escaped/been released. Not sure yet.

here

I hope the other hostages are well (or at least as well as possible) and that the three who have escaped have information which helps end this.

Has there been any word on who is responsible?

The article linked above suggests Jabhat Al Nusra (aka AQ in Syria) but is that based on anything official, or is it more a reflection of groups currently believed to be active?

Looking like those 3 made a run for it?

Hope they will be able to tell the police something useful

Haven't seen anything re taking responsibility.

Reports that the terrorist tried to speak live on air through a hostage and was refused

From what I've seen, the Aussie media has been very responsible in its coverage.

(and as a small point, I'm glad the early pix of hostages in windows are now pixilated)

Another two staff have just run out, so a total of 5 have now escaped

The Telegraph has not been responsible and Ray Hadley needs to STFU.

Which news are you watching, chaircatmiaow?

And what time does it get dark in Sydney at this time of year?

and as a small point, I'm glad the early pix of hostages in windows are now pixilated

Except in the daily mail.

Police have allegedly asked the press to be careful when releasing photos that may compromise their positioning around the site.

Am in South Australia, it won't be dark here until around 7.30/8pm (it's now 4.30pm) Sydney are 30 mins ahead of us.

auntie I'm in sydney watching both nine and seven news.

Watching from home as I work in city and all staff from my company have been sent home early

The two girls that have just run out look absolutely petrified, the poor poor things. It's haunting

Thank God they are now pixellating. It was incredible to see their faces earlier. Is the DM really showing them?

Is the DM really showing them? Yes.