Sydney (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Five people have managed to escape from the Lindt Cafe, where a gunman has been holding an indefinite number of people for several hours. First three men left the café followed by two women. After over six hours from the hostage-taking, it is unclear whether these people were released or whether they managed to escape.
The police do not know how many people are being held inside the café: it is thought that there are less than 30, but the company has estimated about 40 people, including staff and customers.
It all started in the morning hours when an armed man carrying a backpack and wearing a bandana entered the café which is located in the city's business district. Police have surrounded the building and control the entire area, they are in contact with the kidnapper, but so far his motivations are unclear and no claims have been made.
At a certain point, a black drape appeared at one of the café windows; it is inscribed in Arabic with the Islamic confession of faith: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet." The drape was held up by the trembling hands of some of the waiters.
Last September Australia raised its terror alert level in fear of possible consequences that could arise due to the significant number of young Australians who fight for or support the Islamic Army.