Over a dozen people were held hostage inside of a cafe in Sydney, Australia this morning. After more than 16 hours, police say the situation is finally over.
According to the Associated Press, "heavily armed" police rushed into the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in downtown Sydney after it was taken over by gunman Man Haron Monis. The Associated Press adds that just before authorities stormed the business, five or six hostages were spotted fleeing.
Although the hostage situation appears to have been diffused, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that no casualties or injuries have been confirmed. The Associated Press adds that Monis, who faces separate charges for acting as an accessory to a murder and sexual assault, has been under observation of local officials for some time.
UPDATE: According to police, three deaths were confirmed, including the gunman's.
BREAKING: Police say 34-year-old man and 38-year-old woman are among 3 dead in Sydney hostage crisis.
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 15, 2014
[via Associated Press and Sydney Morning Herald]