In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

An armed man on Monday took undisclosed number of people hostage at a popular cafe here and displayed an Islamic flag with Arabic script in the window, sparking a security alert in Australia.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

A hostage runs to safety after escaping from the cafe

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

Another hostage runs to safety after escaping from the cafe

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

Authorities sealed off surrounding streets, evacuated people from buildings, and suspended rail services following the incident at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, in the heart of the city's business district.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

Television footage showed people inside the cafe with their hands pressed against the window holding the black flag known as Shahadah, a prayer spoken in mosques daily, and not a flag specific to the Islamic State.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

Lindt Australia executive says there are about 10 staff and up to 30 customers trapped in the cafe. Police declined to comment on the number of hostages involved.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

Hostage taker identified as Iranian refugee Man Haron Monis.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

This picture was clicked when the hostages were rescued from the cafe.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

The hostages were taken to hospital after being rescued.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

As seen, one of the hostage was injured badly.

In Pics: Sydney hostage crisis

Sydney siege: Know how the complete event unfolded and the minute details.