Sydney Siege right now

Hostages taken over a cafe and package at Opera House.

I used to work near the cafe a few years ago.

#staysafesydney

Madness, up to 50 people held hostage apparently

My daughter works in the hospital near the Lindt Cafe, she usually calls in for a takeaway coffee in the mornings, luckily she didn't today, but was nearby when it happened.

It looks to be quite amatuer how it has been carried out apparently.

It is confusing that the media are saying 5 people 'escaped' in two batches. Surely the gunman allowed them leave?. If people were leaving that easily the hostage taker would take action. It makes you wonder if it really is ISIS, or someone who just fanatical about them.

Also, the muslim community only now coming out now saying "We need to stay strong, together" might fall on deaf ears. A token tweet and we are supposed to forgive atrocities carried out in their name. Theyve been silent for too long,

They know the identity of him now. He's on bail for 47 sexual assault charges!.

Reported 100 cops there! bit OTT for one man

There will be a load of police present... a show of strength, containment of crowds, plus plans in place for different scenarios to be played out.

He wont be an active IS member but they will still take any credit for his work under their flag. But will devalue all of it, if it goes completely wrong for him.

The worst thing is the amount of people there taking bloody selfies smiling away with the siege in the background. The human morale compass is well and truly ruined these days.

Hope they put 100 holes in the c**t. Aussie police don't take no shit and wish ours would have done the same to those cunts in Woolwich rather than locking them up at our expense

Hope they put 100 holes in the c**t. Aussie police don't take no shit and wish ours would have done the same to those cunts in Woolwich rather than locking them up at our expense

Yes then maybe they will think again before targeting UK! We are to soft shoot the buggers save cost trial & prison.

Reporting 2 dead, gunman and a hostage, siege now over!