An injured hostage is wheeled to an ambulance after shots were fired during a cafe siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney. (Source: AP photo) An injured hostage is wheeled to an ambulance after shots were fired during a cafe siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney. (Source: AP photo)

The crisis in Sydney has finally ended as all the hostages were rescued by police at the Lidnt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place. The gunman, however, has not yet been captured. After 15 hours of siege, police stormed into the cafe in the evening.

Earlier, the police identified the gunman as an Iranian refugee with criminal past.

“An Iranian refugee charged with sexual assault and known for sending hate letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed overseas is the armed man holding an unknown number of hostages in a Sydney cafe,” a police source said on Tuesday.

Man Haron Monis, an Iranian refugee and self-styled sheikh, remained holed up in the cafe some 15 hours after the siege began.

“There’s no operational reason for that name to be held back by us now,” said the police source, who declined to be identified.

Several people, including an Indian techie, were taken hostage by the gunman at a popular cafe in Sydney and forced to display an Islamic flag, triggering a security alert in Australia and leading to evacuation of key buildings, including the Indian Consulate here.

The incident happened at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, the heart of Sydney’s business district.

New South Wales Police Commisioner Andrew Scipione has confirmed that no one has been injured in the terror attack at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe. “We understand no one has been injured, and if that’s true, for that we’re grateful,” Scipione said.

In case of queries about Indian nationals following events in Sydney contact Dr Vinod Bahade Dy Consul General at phone +61 481 453550 — Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 15, 2014

“We will put as many police in this operation as needed because it is that important to us,” Scipione added.

The gunman holding hostages at a popular cafe here has demanded delivery of an Islamic State flag and a conversation with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a media report said.

READ: Uber backtracks on price hikes during Sydney drama

According to the report, the armed man had told the hostages that he had planted four bombs. The gunman said two bombs are planted inside the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place and the others elsewhere in the Central Business District, Sky News channel reported quoting Network Ten.

Meanwhile, Indian Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that there’s some information that an Indian IT professional is also among the hostages in Sydney cafe.

READ: Indian may be among Sydney hostages: Venkaiah Naidu

Security around Indian cricketers has been beefed up in Brisbane owing to the hostage crisis in Sydney with the BCCI keeping a close watch on the unfolding events there.

READ: Indian cricketers’ security increased after Sydney attack

READ: Sydney gunman demands Islamic State flag, says bombs planted in cafe, CBD

Earlier in the day, five people escaped from a fire exit of a Sydney building where a hostage situation has been unfolding.

READ: 6 hours into siege, 3 flee from cafe

The two people were seen on live video footage bolting out of the door past heavily armed police and then disappearing around a corner.

WATCH: Incredible footage of two more hostages running to safety from Lindt cafe siege http://t.co/alWgr8nEOO — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

READ: PM Narendra Modi describes Sydney terror attack as ‘disturbing’

The potential development came six hours after a gunman took an unknown number of people hostage inside a downtown Sydney chocolate shop and cafe at the height of Monday morning rush hour.

A hostage runs to armed tactical response police officers for safety after she escaped from a cafe under siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney, Australia, Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) A hostage runs to armed tactical response police officers for safety after she escaped from a cafe under siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney, Australia, Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

GALLERY: Sydney cafe siege: Hostages held by gunman, forced to hold Islamic flag

An apparent hostage situation was unfolding inside a chocolate shop and cafe in Australia’s largest city on Monday, where several people could be seen through a window with their hands held in the air.

READ: Australia uncovers plot to launch Mumbai-style terror attack on Parliament

New South Wales state police said they were dealing with “an armed incident,” though they would not confirm hostages were being held inside the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Sydney.

This image taken from video shows people holding up hands inside a cafe in Sydney, Australia Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. An apparent hostage situation was unfolding inside the chocolate shop and cafe in Australia’s largest city on Monday, where several people could be seen through a window with their hands held in the air. (AP Photo/Channel 7 vide AP Video) This image taken from video shows people holding up hands inside a cafe in Sydney, Australia Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. An apparent hostage situation was unfolding inside the chocolate shop and cafe in Australia’s largest city on Monday, where several people could be seen through a window with their hands held in the air. (AP Photo/Channel 7 vide AP Video)

But television footage shot through the cafe’s windows showed several people with their arms in the air and hands pressed against the glass. “Specialist officers are attempting to make contact (with) those inside a cafe,” police said in a statement.

READ: Indian Consulate in Sydney evacuated, staff safe: Govt

“We don’t know whether this is politically motivated, although obviously there are some indications that it could be,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters in the nation’s capital, Canberra. “We have to appreciate that even in a society such as ours, there are people who would wish to do us harm.”

A police spokeswoman said no injuries had been reported from the incident. Heavily armed officers were lined up outside the cafe, and a man with a backpack inside the cafe could be seen walking back and forth in front of the glass doors.

UPDATE: The second hostage to call “was concerned that she wasn’t seeing any action. The first was calm” – @MarkWBurrows #SydneySiege #9News — Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) December 15, 2014

Still complete darkness at the Lindt Cafe, but you can just make out the black extremist flag being held up in the window Scipione: ‘We are dealing with one location. At this stage we are not concerned with any other area.’ — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014 — Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7) December 15, 2014

Hostages inside the Lindt cafe have been made to hold up an Islamic flag and used as a shield from police snipers. http://t.co/U1pL16Yk1s — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

When the 5 hostages escaped, the gunman could be seen from here getting extremely agitated, shouting at remaining hostages — Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7) December 15, 2014

Australian Muslim community releases statement in response to #sydneysiege. pic.twitter.com/KE9UFxdXuD — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

From inside Martin Place newsroom we can see gunman is rotating hostages, forcing them to stand against windows, sometimes 2 hours at a time Deputy Commissioner Burn 6.30pm briefing re: Martin Place incident – http://t.co/GWZHjcwuTG — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014 — Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7) December 15, 2014

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

Deputy Commissioner Burn: “We are working with partner agencies to ensure the best response.” — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

From inside the Martin Place newsroom – we can see food is being delivered to the hostages. Staff bringing it out from kitchen at back — Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7) December 15, 2014

Police have allowed me back into Martin Place newsroom – gunman is clear – white shirt, black cap, unshaven, holds poss pump action shotgun — Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7) December 15, 2014

'We will be working into the night if this situation continues.' – NSW Police Deputy Commissioner #9News — Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) December 15, 2014

PM: I was briefed overnight on the siege in Sydney. Deeply concerning and my thoughts are with all those caught up in it. — UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) December 15, 2014

One of the #MartinPlaceSiege hostages who escaped is reportedly being treated in hospital | #sydneysiege — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

Five people have now escaped the #Lindt cafe. Two female hostages ran out just moments ago. #sydneysiege http://t.co/s2xapyaX05 — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

DCOP Burn: “Our priority is the safety of the people in the cafe and the safety of the people of NSW.” #MartinPlace pic.twitter.com/sur0svIG8q — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Deputy Commissioner Burn: “We don’t believe anyone else in the cafe has been injured.” #MartinPlace — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Deputy Commissioner Burn: “Negotiators remain on scene. Investigators are trying to work out the offender’s motivations.” #MartinPlace — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn: “I can’t speculate on how many more people remain in the cafe.” #MartinPlace — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn: “I can confirm that three people have emerged from the location at #MartinPlace.” — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn: “The public transport system is operating pretty normally. It’s okay to leave the city.” #MartinPlace — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Footage of earlier media conference – Premier Baird and Commissioner Scipione re: police operation in Martin Place http://t.co/ONcpUJWayA — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

#BREAKING Two people have been seen running out of the Lindt cafe at Martin Place, eight armed police outside. — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

Heavily armed police surround #Lindt cafe. Three people seen running from the building, reports @ChrisReason7 http://t.co/s2xapyaX05 — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

People urged to report any suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline – 1800 123 400 #sydneysiege #MartinPlacesiege Scipione: ‘It's a flag that we've had people looking at. We're working with partner agencies to better determine what we're dealing with.' — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014 — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

Vic Premier @DanielAndrewsMP says stronger police presence in public areas in Melbourne and across the state in response to #sydneysiege. — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and kind support over the current situation at the Lindt… http://t.co/RXIegTKaUC — Lindt Chocolate Cafe (@LindtCafeAus) December 15, 2014

The incident in Sydney is disturbing. Such acts are inhuman & deeply unfortunate. I pray for everyone’s safety. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2014

Motorists advised 2 avoid CBD due 2 police operation at #MartinPlace. Road closures in place with buses being diverted. — Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) December 15, 2014

Sydney siege press conference with Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright and Premier @DanielAndrewsMP starts now http://t.co/HTU62UmlgJ — Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) December 15, 2014

Scipione: ‘We have not yet confirmed this is a terror-related event’ #MartinPlaceSiege #sydneysiege — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

Police commissioner Andrew Scipione will not confirm the number of hostages or if the gunman is working with or for a terrorist organization Scipione: ‘It’s a flag that we’ve had people looking at. We’re working with partner agencies to better determine what we’re dealing with.’ — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014 — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

Commissioner Scipione: “There are well trained officers on the job who I’m sure will bring this to a peaceful resolution.” #MartinPlace — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Commissioner Scipione: “We’re looking at a range of calls (about devices around CBD). Everything has proven negative so far.” #MartinPlace — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Commissioner Scipione: “My advice is we haven’t had contact with the armed offender at this stage.” #MartinPlace Victoria Police is not aware of any specific threats made within Victoria at this point in time. (1/2) — Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) December 15, 2014 Victoria Police will continue to liaise with our interstate and federal counterparts as the incident unfolds. (2/2) — Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) December 15, 2014 — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

SYDNEY TRAFFIC UPDATE: The Cahill Expressway, York St and Harbour St are closed. Cars are advised to avoid driving in the CBD. @Y7News — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

Sydney is a ghost town. Empty main thoroughfare George St #siege … @freelancer offices 5 blocks from crisis centre pic.twitter.com/JUgZ0JSvzC — SydStart (@sydstart) December 15, 2014

Photo circulating of arrest of man near #MartinPlace is NOT related to the police operation. — NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

Opera House completely evacuated pic.twitter.com/qipd0ihMH8 — Mark Serrels (@Serrels) December 14, 2014

Australian PM Abbott: Motivation of perpetrator in Sydney hostage situation is not yet known – @9NewsAUS pic.twitter.com/SI01B997xf — ABC News (@ABC) December 15, 2014

This image taken from video shows people against shop windows holding up hands inside a cafe in Sydney, Australia Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. An apparent hostage situation was unfolding inside the chocolate shop and cafe in Australia’s largest city on Monday, where several people could be seen through a window with their hands held in the air. (AP Photo/Channel 7 via AP Video) This image taken from video shows people against shop windows holding up hands inside a cafe in Sydney, Australia Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. An apparent hostage situation was unfolding inside the chocolate shop and cafe in Australia’s largest city on Monday, where several people could be seen through a window with their hands held in the air. (AP Photo/Channel 7 via AP Video)

Abbott said the National Security Committee of Cabinet met to be briefed on the situation.

“The whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people out of being themselves,” Abbott said. “Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society — nothing should ever change that. And that’s why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual.”

The cafe is located in Martin Place, a plaza in the heart of the city’s financial and shopping district that is packed with holiday shoppers this time of year. It is home to the state premier’s office, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and the headquarters of two of the nation’s largest banks. The state parliament house is a few blocks away.

Police stand at the ready close to a cafe under siege in Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney. (Source: AP) Police stand at the ready close to a cafe under siege in Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney. (Source: AP)

TV footage showed two people inside the cafe holding up what appeared to be a black flag with white Arabic writing on it.

BREAKING NEWS: All Qantas flights are diverting around Sydney CBD but are operating as per schedule at this stage — Qantas (@Qantas) December 15, 2014

Zain Ali, the head of the Islamic Studies Research Unit at the University of Auckland, said it was difficult to read the message because media images showed only the lower part of the flag. But he believed it was the Shahada, or declaration of faith, largely because a black flag with white writing in a contemporary context often contains that message. He said he could make out the word “Muhammad.”

Buses travelling citybound across #AnzacBridge are now operating to Circular Quay. — 131500 buses (@131500buses) December 15, 2014

Ali said the Shahada translates as “There is no deity of worship except God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” It is considered the first pillar of Islam’s five pillars of faith, and has been used by groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State but wasn’t invented by them, Ali said. A police spokeswoman said no injuries had been reported from the incident. Heavily armed officers were lined up outside the cafe, and a man with a backpack inside the cafe could be seen walking back and forth in front of the glass doors.

The cafe is located in Martin Place, a plaza in the heart of the city’s financial and shopping district that is packed with holiday shoppers this time of year. It is home to the state premier’s office, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and the headquarters of two of the nation’s largest banks. The state parliament house is a few blocks away. Streets in the area were closed, offices evacuated and the public told to stay away.

(with agency inputs)

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