Three hostages have left from the hostage-taking crisis at Sydney cafe, ABC News reported.
Up to 50 people were held captive by an armed-man in Lindt Chocolat Café. A recent video filmed outside presented three people running out the door of the cafe. Two of the hostages came out of the front door, while the other one left from a fire door. The three of them had their hands up in the air. One of them appeared to be an employee of the cafe, since he was seen wearing his uniform and apron.
Police hasn't received any demands from the suspect and are still waiting for the gunman to directly contact them.
Around 10 a.m., a video has been released showing people holding their hands up in the air. Two women were also seen inside, holding a black flag, which appeared with Arabic writing on it. The writings read in English as, "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah," according to First Post. The flag has been confirmed to be an Islamic flag co-opted by jihadist groups, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
A radio host was able to speak with the hostages but he refused to put him on air because he could hear the captor in the background giving orders.
"I told the young man it's not in your best interest to be heard on the radio live. It's not in anyone's interest and it's certainly not in the hostages' interest," the host said.
Meanwhile, Lindt Chocolat Café has posted a statement on their Facebook page regarding the situation.
"We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and kind support over the current situation at the Lindt Chocolate Café at Martin Place," the statement read. "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."
The chocolate shop and cafe is located at Sydney's Martin Place, where the Reserve Bank of Australia and several commercial banks are situated.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
