Islamic flag flown as 13 hostages in Sydney's CBD forced against windows

At least 13 hostages are being held in a café in Sydney’s busy city district with reports an Islamic flag has been seen in the window.

In horrifying images the faces of customers and staff can be seen pressed against the windows of the Lindt Chocolate café that looks out onto Martin Place

The flag in the window appears to be a Shahada flag, with the islamic script reading: There is no god but god. Mohammad is the messenger

A NSW Police spokesperson said on Twitter there was a major police operation ongoing and told the public to stay away.

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