Australian police have reportedly identified a gunman who is holding a number of people hostage at a Sydney café.
Hundreds of armed police officers are surrounding the Lindt Café in the city's financial district - and have opened negotiations with the man.
Five people managed to escape the siege - while some of those left inside have been forced to hold up a black flag bearing an Islamist slogan.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the situation as "disturbing" - and says the man claims to be politically motivated.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has given this message to those still trapped in the cafe.
