Ben Fordham with Sydney's 2GB radio station read out a similar message that had been received by the station from hostages. The message that Fordham read out included the phrase, "the man wants the world to know that Australia is under Attack from the IS."The revelation came soon after five of the hostages held in the cafe escaped. Three men ran out of the cafe at 3:40pm, while two women, in cafe uniforms, escaped at 5:00pm. It is still unclear exactly how they were able to leave the siege which is ongoing with several hostages still inside. Deputy Police Commissioner Catherine Burn refused to clarify whether they were released or escaped.We have just spoken with 2 hostages inside the cafe. Gunman has 2 demands: wants ISIL flag in exchange for 1 hostage, and a call to our PM
— Matt Doran (@mattdoran22)December 15, 2014
Police shut down Sydney's Martin Place, a large pedestrian thoroughfare leading up to state parliament, after armed gunman took hostages inside a Lindt Chocolate Cafe. Live television news images showed hostages holding a black flag with white Arabic text to the windows of the cafe. The flag is the Shahada, a flag associated with Sunni militant groups such as the Islamic State, al Shabaab, and al Qaeda. The text on the flag is a pledge of faith for Sunni Muslims that reads "there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet."Incredible images coming out of Martin Place as three men escape hostage situation. More here: — Susannah Guthrie (@susguthrie)December 15, 2014
It is not the flag of the Islamic State, though the similarity caused some confusion in early media reports.Police confirmed to the ABC that they have identified the gunman.Hostages still holding hands up at windows @ Sydney Lindt cafe in Martin Place holding flag. Via — Shoba Rao (@shoba_rao)December 14, 2014
Australia's National Security committee was convened to respond to the situation. The committee includes Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a number of cabinet ministers, the chief of the defense forces, and the commissioner of the Australian Federal Police. Abbott released a statement about the situation via Twitter.Police have identified who the gunman is. He is known to police. NSW Police have asked the ABC not to identify him — Julia Holman (@JulesHolman)December 15, 2014
1/2 The incident in Martin Place is obviously deeply concerning but all Australians should be reassured…
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR)December 15, 2014
New South Wales police commissioner Andrew Scipione New South Wales Police held his latest press conference at 8:30pm local time."Can I start by saying our plan, our only goal tonight and for as long as this takes, is to get those people that are currently caught in that building, out of there safely," Scipione said to assembled media.2/2 …that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough & professional manner.
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR)December 15, 2014
Ray Hadley says he has received another call from a hostage in the — harriet glenn (@harrietglenn)December 15, 2014
Martin Place was the target of an Islamic State-connected plot that Australian police thwarted in October. The plot reportedly involved kidnapping a random member of the Australian public and beheading the person publicly. James Brown, a former Australian army officer who now works with The Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, believes the gunman may be connected to the Islamic State."The fact it is in Martin Place suggests, but does not confirm [an] IS connection — this is where IS planned a beheading attack several months ago," Brown tweeted. "Also, choosing a shop directly opposite the Channel 7 TV live broadcast studio could suggest intent to exploit propaganda value. But all we know for sure at the moment is that a crime is being committed and someone involved wants to suggest an Islamic association."Ray Hadley has just received another call from — 2GB 873 (@2GB873)December 15, 2014
The tactical response squad of the New South Wales police quickly arrived in the area and established a perimeter around the building. Authorities used ladders to evacuate people trapped in the floors above the cafe.From inside Martin Place newsroom, we've counted around 15 hostages - not 50 - mix of women, men, young, old - but no children.
— Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7)December 15, 2014
Large crowds gathered in the area around the cafe to watch the situation unfold.Re: Police op at — NSW Police (@nswpolice)December 14, 2014
The federal government denied airspace over the Sydney city centre had been shut down, although the iconic Sydney Opera House was evacuated, and all performances have been cancelled for the evening.Mass disbelief: crowds looking anxiously, down Martin Place. — Jeremy Fernandez (@JezNews)December 15, 2014
Opera House completely evacuated — Mark Serrels (@Serrels)December 14, 2014
The United States consulate in Sydney issued an emergency alert to US citizens. "US citizens are strongly encouraged to review your personal security plan, remain aware of your surroundings including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security," the statement said.The US Consulate is one of several high profile organizations based in Martin Place near the site of the siege. Martin Place is also the home of the Australia Reserve Bank.Australia's Grand Mufti, the highest ranking Sunni Muslim cleric in the country, issued a statement condemning the "criminal act," and emphasizing that "such actions are denounced in part and in whole by Islam."Chopper at evacuated Opera House. — Mark Serrels (@Serrels)December 14, 2014
Prayers have been scheduled for 8:00pm local time at religious institutions across Australia, including Sydney's Lakemba Mosque and St Georges Anglican Church.This is a breaking news story — please check back for updates.Grand Mufti of Australia statement condemning — Adam Todd (@_AdamTodd)December 15, 2014