World News
Australia hostage drama: Police are on top of situation─── 13:37 Mon, 15 Dec 2014
Sydney - The premier of New South Wales, Mike Baird, says police are on top of the hostage drama in the heart of Sydney's financial district as the exclusion zone around the scene continues to widen.
Reuters report Australian police know of one armed assailant involved, but there could be more. Police, including paramilitary officers, have cordoned off several blocks around the Lindt cafe in Martin Place as negotiators try to defuse one of the biggest security scares in the country for decades.
Snipers and a SWAT team have taken up positions and police helicopters are flowing overhead. The siege is taking place close to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall, Harbour Bridge and other prominent landmarks. According to a reporter at Channel Seven, Chris Reason, about 15 hostages could still be seen inside.
His office is opposite the cafe. At least five hostages have escaped since the mid-morning siege began.
