Live video from the apparent hostage situation in Sydney. The Associated Press is playing it more cautiously, stopping short of calling it a hostage situation. But the BBC goes further:
At least one gunman has taken several people hostage at a cafe in the Australian city of Sydney.
Pictures on Australian television show at least three people with their hands up against a window, and a black flag with Arabic writing.
Hundreds of armed police have sealed off Martin Place in Sydney’s central business district.
