| This is Bloomberg; I figure they're going to be a little behind the local news but might have some tidbits that are helpful. |
Armed police cleared the square in the city's central business district, as Prime Minister Tony Abbott convened Cabinet's National Security Committee for briefings on the siege and the local dollar fell. Police said they were trying to make contact with people inside the Lindt cafe and urged people in the area to stay indoors and away from open windows.
"This is obviously a deeply concerning incident but all Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner," Abbott said in a statement. "This looks like it's intended to get as much publicity as possible."
As many as 10 staff may be inside the Lindt cafe, which generally has about 30 customers during the mid-morning, Lindt Australia Chief Executive Officer Steve Loane said by telephone.
Pedestrians were blocked from the CBD square, which houses offices for Macquarie Group, the Reserve Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Corp. The central bank said it's operating normally.
Channel Seven showed images of people inside the cafe with their arms up pressed against the window and holding a black flag with white lettering. New South Wales police said it was dealing with an armed incident and specialist officers were attempting to contact those within the cafe.
Sky News said the Sydney Opera House was evacuated after a suspicious package was found.
Martin Place train station has been closed and trains earlier suspended on the Eastern Suburbs line won't be stopping at the platform, Transport for New South Wales said on its website.