Hostage situation unfolds at cafe in Sydney

Police are responding after at least one gunman reportedly took hostages at a cafe in Sydney on Monday morning.

An unknown number of hostages are being held in an “armed incident,” which is ongoing at the Lindt Chocolate Café in the city’s central business district, Reuters reported.

A black flag with Arabic script in white was displayed in the cafe window, according to multiple media reports.

Hands are seen pressed up against the window of the Lindt cafe, where hostages are being held, in this still image taken from video from Australia’s Seven Network on December 15, 2014. Credit: Reuters

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a press conference that it was unclear whether the attack was politically motivated, but said “there are some indications that it could be.”

Abbott urged Australians to go about their daily lives as the police respond to the “unfolding situation.”

“Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society. Nothing should ever change that, and that’s why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual,” he said.

The U.S. is “closely following the security incident in Sydney,” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement to the press. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those who are being held hostage.”

A police officer runs across Martin Place near Lindt cafe, where hostages are being held, in central Sydney December 15, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/David Gray

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, Lindt thanked the community for its support during the “situation at the Lindt Café at Martin Place.”

The statement continued: “We are deeply concerned over this serious incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the staff and customers involved and all their friends and families. The matter is being dealt with by the authorities and we are waiting for any updates from them.”

Watch live coverage of the Sydney siege from the BBC in the player above.