A dramatic siege is underway in Sydney, Australia, as a lone gunman is holding 30 people hostage inside Lindt Chocolate Cafe in downtown Sydney.
The man, who is reportedly well known to police, demanded an ISIS flag and a phone call to PM Tony Abbot.
Five people have so far managed to exit the premises. It is not clear whether they escaped or were released by the gunman.
Police have locked down the area and have brought in negotiators to try and obtain a positive outcome to the situation.
More to follow…