Hostages have been taken in downtown Sydney at a cafe off the central pedestrian Martin Place, pictured. The Australian PM Tony Abbott described it as a ‘disturbing incident’. For more visit his Facebook page.
Some streets around the area have been closed; the Martin Place train station in the central business district (CBD) is also shut; and some nearby offices have been evacuated as a precaution. Police ask that anyone else in the area encompassing Hunter, George, Elizabeth and Macquarie streets bordering Martin Place to remain indoors and away from open windows.
Visit the NSW Police website – http://www.police.nsw.gov.au.
See also the advice for travellers on the Foreign Office website.
