Sydney gunman continues negotiating with police
Over 30 people are being held hostage by the gunman at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Sydney's Martin Place
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An armed tactical response police officer grabs a hostage as she runs to flee from a cafe under siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney
A gunman, who Monday took over 30 people hostage inside a cafe in Sydney's central business district, continued to negotiate with police almost nine hours into the hostage drama.
"We want to resolve the situation peacefully," said New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione while addressing a press conference.
"We have evacuated some immediate surrounds to ensure that people do not get harmed," he added.
"We will be working in the night if the situation continues. We will be working for the arrangements tomorrow," NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn told reporters.
Five hostages, including two female workers, Monday escaped to safety from the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Sydney's Martin Place where over 30 people are being held hostage by the gunman.
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First Published: Dec 15 2014 | 3:56 PM IST