武装分子继续在悉尼扣押多名人质

A gunman continues to hold an unknown number of people hostage in a Sydney, Australia, restaurant, nearly 16 hours after the siege began Monday morning.

New South Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione refused to call the situation a terrorist act, but suggested the ordeal could last for days.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the incident at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in the city's central business district may be politically motivated.

Early in the crisis, hostages were seen standing with their hands pushed up against the windows.  A black flag with the Islamic creed known as the Shahada written in white could be seen through the glass.

Five people fled to safety from the cafe, though it remains unclear whether they escaped or were released.  An estimated 10 to 25 hostages remain inside.