Screen Shot 2014-12-15 at 11.45.12_79731106_sydney_cafe_hostages_624map

Picture of a gunman apparently holding a hostage in Lindt café, Sydney and a Google Earth image of the area where a siege is taking place

BBC reports:

“A gunman is holding staff and customers hostage at a cafe in Sydney, Australia. The Lindt cafe in the city centre is surrounded by armed police. Officers have made contact with the gunman. Five people have been seen running from the building. It is not clear how many remain inside. A black Islamic flag has been displayed at the window.”
…
“About six hours into the siege, three people were seen running from the building housing the cafe. Two more people followed about an hour later. It is not clear whether they escaped or were released.

Sydney siege: Hostages held in Lindt café (BBC)

Martin Place siege: Sydney CBD cafe workers held up (The Australian)

Pics: News Corp and BBC

Thanks Mark Geary

UPDATE:

keri

Pat writes:

Keri the corgi was bribed with a treat for this photo.

Terry

Ciara writes:

Terry’s first Christmas and he’s having a ball.

maggie

Jaki writes:

This is Maggie The Doodles: a mini jack russell / stand-in grandchild / boss of my parent’s house. She wears her hat at a jaunty angle no matter what season it is.

vinnie

Mandy writes:

Vinnie in his santy hat over the weekend….he was ecstatic as you can imagine…

My pet at Xmas marked ‘My Pet at Xmas to broadsheet@broadsheet.ie

Broadsheet.ie