Eight kids dead in mass stabbing

Police have surrounded a house in the Cairns suburb of Manoora where as many as eight children have been stabbed to death.

A YOUNG man has walked into a Cairns house to find eight of his siblings stabbed to death.

Police were called to the Murray St, Manoora home at 11.20am this morning to be confronted by a scene so horrifying that their "screams and shouts" for an ambulance could be heard from the street.

Senior police this afternoon revealed those to arrive were "very young and junior officers" who were now receiving counselling.

The victims of what Prime Minister Tony Abbott has this afternoon called "an unspeakable crime" were aged between 18 months and 15 years old and were siblings.

Police help a distressed family friend outside the house. Picture: Sharnie Kim, ABC Source: ABC

Friends and relatives of the family sob outside the Murray St home where eight children have been found dead. Source: Supplied

Two adults have been taken to hospital. One is a 34-year-old woman — whom police confirmed to be the mother of seven of the dead children — and who was being treated for stab wounds to the chest and neck.

Neighbours have described her as "proud" and "very protective" of her brood, adding "she loved her children dearly".

'EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYONE' ON MURRAY ST, MANOORA

Police have stated they are not looking for anybody else in relation to the deaths and have yet to lay charges.

The woman is "assisting police with their inquiries" and "not in custody", police said.

It is not clear whether the second person taken to hospital is the child's stepfather, who lived at the address.

"It's very early days but (the woman) is in a stable condition," Cairns Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said.

A woman believed to be the mother of seven of the eight dead children is taken from the scene in a stretcher with stab wounds to the chest and neck. Picture: Sky News Source: Supplied

An unidentified man shields his face from cameras outside the Murray St home where eight children have been found dead. Source: News Corp Australia

The home where eight children were killed in Murray St, Cairns Source: News Corp Australia

The backyard of the home where eight children were found stabbed to death today. Source: News Corp Australia

Flowers and toys are seen laying up against a fence across the road from the Cairns child massacre. Source: Getty Images

Members of the public arrive to lay flowers across the road from the home where eight children were stabbed. A candlit vigil is to be held tonight. Source: Getty Images

"As it stands at the moment there's no need for the public to be concerned about this other than it's a tragic event. The situation is well controlled at the moment there's no concern for anyone else in the environment.

"The crime scene will continue now for probably the next day or two and as we get further information we will share that with you."

Late this afternoon, at a second media briefing, Det Inspector Asnicar said anyone who had contact with the family over the last two or three days was someone police wanted to speak with.

That included the 20-year-old brother who arrived at the house this morning and a man seen pacing around the property after police were called.

He refused to say exactly what the first officers who arrived at the house saw other than it was traumatic for everyone.

It was one of the worst incidents he'd encountered because of the "number of deceased all in one place".

The community has been urged to "lean on each other and look after your mates" and police have promised to provide locals with additional resources and support.

The cousin of the dead children's mother, Lisa Thaiday, talks to media. Source: Supplied

A man weeps behind a fence near the Murray St home where eight siblings have been found dead. Picture: Sky News Source: Supplied

Lisa Thaiday, who said she was the woman's cousin, said another sibling, a 20-year-old man, came home and found his brothers and sisters dead inside the house.

ABC reporter Sharnie Kim said relatives of the slaughtered children were continuing to make their way to the house. They would speak to the police and then break down, she said.

"There are very confronting scenes here of people crying," Ms Kim said.

"Everyone, the neighbours, the relatives and a large media contingent are just watching and waiting for something to happen."

Police confirmed they were called to the scene at 11.20am but will not say whether it was a family member or a neighbour who alerted them.

The latest live news coverage and commentary from Australia's No. 1 media company. Stream 1

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the news was heartbreaking.

"All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what's happened."

The tragedy follows the Martin Place siege which traumatised Australians this week.

"These are trying days for our country."

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said he was deeply saddened and shocked by the mass stabbing.

"I ask that all Queenslanders reach out to those who may need support in coming days and do not hesitate to ask for professional assistance if needed," he said.

In particular he asked for support for the police and ambulance officers who were first to arrive at the house.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said the community was in shock.

"I offer my personal condolences to the family and friends of the victims."

He to called for people to unite, " and display sympathy for those directly affected by this incident and respect for the police and other authorities who now must go about this difficult work."

A candlit vigil for the dead children would be held tonight.

Cairns Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar speaks to media about the stabbing deaths of 8 children in Cairns. Courtesy: Queensland Police

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, told news.com.au he thought the incident was a tragedy.

"I didn't know them (the family) but my heart goes out to them," he said.

Murray St is a diverse multicultural area with a mix of both private and public housing in a western suburb of Cairns.

It has had a stigma in previous years as a place to avoid for people looking to move to the area.

But more recently these suburbs, particularly the northern parts of Manoora, have become more popular with people looking to enter the Cairns property market.

Queensland's Department of Housing and Public Works confirmed the home in which the children were found dead was under its management.

Police at outside the Murray St, Manoora house where eight children have been found dead. Source: News Corp Australia

The first police to arrive on the scene were reportedly so distressed that they could be heard shouting and screaming for an ambulance. Source: News Corp Australia

Relatives and friends have been weeping outside the property where eight children from the same family have been found dead. Source: News Corp Australia

Police say it may take several days for forensic specialists to collect evidence from the house. Source: News Corp Australia

Dozens of police are on the scene at Murray St, Manoora, where eight children aged between 18 months and 15 years have been found dead. Picture: Grace Uhr Source: News Corp Australia

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More to come

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Gillard demands apology

The union corruption commission has said Julia Gillard had a 'lapse of professional judgment' in the 1990s.

Trade unions ... Royal Commission recommends Julia Gillard's ex-boyfriend and his alleged accomplice be referred to authorities. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones/News Corp. Source: News Corp Australia

JULIA Gillard has called for an apology after a Royal Commission into trade unions found she did not commit any crime.

The former prime minister said in a statement she was pleased there had been no findings against her.

"Decency would require those who falsely accused me to apologise," she said.

The Commission however has recommended Julia Gillard's ex-boyfriend Bruce Wilson and his alleged accomplice in a slush fund set up be referred to prosecutors.

REVEALED: Julia Gillard's new job

To be referred ... Bruce Wilson, a former boyfriend of Julia Gillard, arrives at the Royal Commission into Trade Unions. Picture: Renee Nowytarger Source: News Corp Australia

The inquiry has concluded the former Prime Minister "did not commit any crime and was not aware of any criminality on the part of these union officials".

But it did find criticism of Ms Gillard's "lapse of professional judgment" was "justified", given the conflict of interest with her former boyfriend.

Ms Gillard rejected the report's suggestion that anyone other than herself paid for work done on her Abbotsford property.

"Australians may well ask themselves whether the millions of dollars the Abbott Government has spent on a twenty-year-old matter that was already in the hands of the police would have been better allocated to health, education or law enforcement," Gillard also said in her the statement.

The findings, in relation to the establishment of a now famous Australian Workers' Union slush fund, have been revealed in an enormous interim report of more than 1800 pages.

Apology ... Former PM Julia Gillard wants those who falsely accused her to apologise. Picture: Mike Keating. Source: News Corp Australia

The Commission recommends West Australian and Victorian prosecutors consider charging Wilson and Ralph Blewitt for alleged fraud and misconduct.

They're not the only ones in the its sights, with recommendations the commonwealth DPP consider criminal charges against a range of CFMEU officials.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz released the report's two volumes in Canberra — adding a third was confidential.

"The conduct which is part and parcel of the third and confidential report reveals grave threats to the power and authority of the Australian state," he told reporters.

Minister Abetz used the report's release to urge Labor to back its push to set up the Registered Organisations Commission and bring back the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

1800 pages ... Minister for Employment Senator Eric Abetz releases interim report from the Royal Commission into trade unions. Picture: Kym Smith/News Corp. Source: News Corp Australia

"I would have thought that anybody that is committed to the trade union movement would want to see a clean trade union movement — one where there is not criminality, where there is not thuggery, where there is not funny money dealings going on."

The government will consider the recommendations and make clear its response next year, he said.

"We will consider every word and every recommendation of this Royal Commission very, very carefully."

The CFMEU claimed the report made no findings of corruption or law-breaking against its officials.

"Instead, the commissioner recommends that his findings be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and other agencies in order for them to consider whether such breaches have occurred and if any action should be taken," the union said in a statement.

"The CFMEU will deal with those issues as they arise."

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Hacker group saves Christmas for gamers

Online gaming has been the battleground in the latest hacker war. Source: Getty Images

THOSE that operate in the cloak and dagger world of computer hacking are often motivated by a sense of social justice or an ideological commitment to the freedom of information.

However one group of hackers has rejected any ethical motivations and has been intent on causing senseless disruption.

At the beginning of the month a group called Lizzard Squad issued a threat that they would take down the online networks of PlayStation and Xbox over the Christmas period.

The networks are required by certain video games to run from a home console, which would mean gamers all over the world would be unable to play.

While the Lizzard Squad has a history of malicious attacks, another (more benevolent) hacker group has emerged with the explicit intent to bring them down.

The work of Lizzard Squad

On August 24th, Lizzrd Squad claimed responsibility for bringing down the PlayStation network as well as launching attacks on Blizzard, the company responsible for the World of Warcraft game.

In the same month, Lizzard Squad forced the flight of Sony executive John Smedley to be diverted by sending a bomb threat in this tweet.

As Smedley's flight was grounded, the group shared messages discussing 9/11 and comparing themselves to IS.

After releasing a statement claiming they were finished with their destructive practices, the group returned in September in an attack that saw them periodically take down the online platforms of popular games, Call of Duty, FIFA, Madden and The Sims 4.

Popular games such as Call of Duty are often played online. Source: Supplied

After further disrupting PlayStation's online store and the Xbox live network in early December, Lizzard Squad referred to themselves as "the next generation Grinch" and took to twitter to solicit support from their followers.

The group claimed that they would bring down online gaming over the Christmas period.

The hackers that saved Christmas

The activities of Lizzard Squad courted notoriety and condemnation in equal parts. Even hacker super group, Anonymous, posted a video threatening action against the group for "propagandist" remarks.

However Lizzard Squad's threats to ruin gaming over Christmas led to the formulation of a group of incensed gamers and hackers calling themselves the Finest Squad, who touted theobjective to "bring cyber criminals to justice."

The rival hacker clique managed to break into the public Twitter accounts and websites of Lizard Squad's members and proceeded to release their personal information online. This is known as 'doxxing' in the online community and is the ultimate punishment for hackers that can only survive with anonymity.

While the Finest Squad have not publicised how they accessed the data, it was most likely through checking for weak spots in their email, Skype, Twitter, and web hosting accounts.

Since the doxxing, members of the Lizzard Squad have gone quiet and have subsequently been subject to arrest by US authorities — some members even live tweeted their arrest.

In an effort to help the gaming companies, the Finest Squad also revealed how Lizard managed to bring down the video game networks. In short, the group used a tactic that sends a flood of web traffic to a single network which is designed to crash the web server. It's known as a distributed denial of service attack and could have cost as little as AU$200.

This appears to be a story of good triumphing over bad, and while the gaming community rejoices over the hackers that saved Christmas, the rest of us are free to game in peace.

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The biggest tech company fails of 2014

Tinder founders Justin Mateen and Sean Rad have both been cut from the company after a controversial year. Source: Supplied

THESE are boom days for tech start-ups. But as software continues to eat big, stagnant industries, sometimes the rest of the world bites back.

We've compiled the best of the worst behaviour by tech executives, and the strangest user-behaviour that ended up reflecting badly on the companies involved. (Note: In order to keep this relatively brief, we are leaving out personal misdeeds by company founders, however egregious, if said misdeeds happened outside of their professional duties.)

We are also not going so far as to catalogue actual company failures. These are just the fumbles. Some are massive. Some are small-but-remarkable. Some are absurd. Here's to learning something from 2014, and making 2015 a little less slimy.

PRIVACY VIOLATIONS

Although lots of the criticism over the privacy of Snapchat heated up in 2013, it continued this year. As the New York Times reports, in May, Snapchat settled with the US Federal Trade Commission and agreed to further improve its privacy features over time. Then, in October, an experiment by three anonymous men to prove that Snapchat's messages didn't actually disappear, called Snapsaved.com, had its servers breached. Details are hazy, but the privacy saga continues nonetheless.

Snapchat. Not as private as you think. Source: Supplied

ORGY

Maybe there's nothing you can't do in New York, but Airbnb hasn't been having an easy time getting established in the Big Apple. Earlier this year, the state called most New York City rentals listed on the site illegal. That's after a report by the attorney general said listings for rentals appeared to violate building codes, safety codes, and tax regulations. More recently, a spectacular single incident seemed to show the other side of the spectrum of what terrible things can happen when one lists their apartment: A renter attempted to stage what was dubbed an "XXX Freak Fest." Airbnb, for its part, acted well and promptly responded to the matter, cutting the tenant a hefty check for damages. But that was too late to erase an image seared into the brains of Airbnb users. At least the man who was attempting to Airbnb his apartment got some traction from surviving the fumble.

POINTING THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE BOYS CLUB

Back in mid-March, an engineer at Github, Julie Ann Horvath, accused the software-code start-up's leadership of harassing her and creating an unbearably uncomfortable environment for women in their workplace. The online barrage of allegations gained traction online, due in part to an already intense debate about the treatment of women in the boys club of Silicon Valley. A month later, co-founder Tom Preston-Werner, the company's most prominent executive, stepped down from the company after an investigation found "evidence of mistakes and errors of judgment" by Preston-Werner and his wife, Theresa.

RATS, MOLD AND A CLONE

Did they listen to what Cuck Heston said 'soylent green' was?! Source: News Limited

First there was born a start-up to help start-up employees go without lunch. Then that start-up was named after a 1973 Charlton Heston film that made plenty of people queasy. Then that start-up raked in more than $2 million in outside funding. The media tried it. We tried it. Vice tried it. Vice visited the Soylent warehouse and found rats, mould, and questionable practices. Somehow, this news didn't stop the demand, and due to a backlog in orders, a Soylent clone has popped up in San Francisco. It's called Schmoylent. And if that doesn't hurt, we don't know what would.

INFLAMMATORY WAYS

Genius — formerly known as RapGenius — the crowdsourced annotations site, has never been a company known for its decorous ways. Its trio of co-founders curse, brag about drug use, and, worst of all, wear sunglasses indoors. You know, like three responsible Yale graduates with nearly $60 million in venture-capital investment on their hands. In 2013, co-founder Mahbod Moghadam made headlines for outbursts, including telling Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and investor Warren Buffett to "suck my dick." (He subsequently blamed a benign brain tumour, which he had removed, for the outbursts.) This year, Moghadam annotated on Genius the 141-page manifesto of Elliot Rodger, the 22-year-old man who went on a rampage near the University of California — Santa Barbara in May, with comments critics deemed "creepy" and "disgusting." He promptly departed the company.

STALKING JOURNALISTS

Threatening to stalk journalists, Uber? Not cool. Source: AP

It was just last month when Uber senior vice president of business, Emil Michael, suggested Uber should dig up dirt on critical journalists in order to smear and discredit them. In terms of public-relations blunders, it might have seemed minor — it was no alleged passenger assault, kidnapping, or rape. But it was one that touched not just on user-safety issues, but also privacy — and generated tons of speculation on whether Uber as a company is mature enough to handle its own whopping valuation (and the responsibilities that go along with such massive scale).

REVENGE OF THE FREELANCERS

There's a common practice among fast-growth service start-ups: Use independent contractors instead of full-time employees. It's how Uber, Lyft, and TaskRabbit, to name a few, were able to scale fast. But sometimes, it can backfire. The on-demand house-cleaning and handyman start-up Handy was sued in California for violating labour laws due to exerting significant controls over workers (including telling them "how to use the bathroom"), but then classifying them as contractors. How handy.

DISASTER STRIKES

After Whitney Wolfe accused Tinder's internal management (and parent-company IAC) of sexual harassment, the company was slow to respond. Co-founder Justin Mateen was suspended, but it took until November for the company to settle with Wolfe for $1 million — and for co-founder Sean Rad to step down as CEO.

This article originally appeared on Slate and was reproduced here with permission.

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The internet is swooning over Apple’s new ad

Apple's 2013 Christmas ad set the bar high for heart warming commercials. Source: Supplied

APPLE has debuted its new Christmas-themed ad and its charming tone is melting hearts everywhere.

The 90-second commercial is called 'The Song' and features a young girl unearthing an old vinyl record, which appears to be a gift from her Grandparents from the 1950s.

It is clear that the record was made on an old-school piece of technology called the Voice-O-Graph, which allowed people in the 1940s and '50s to record directly to vinyl. On the wax vinyl is a song called "Love is Here to Stay,' sung by her grandmother.

The protagonist, in what feels more like a short film than a commercial, records her on rendition of the song and lays it over the top of her Grandma's lyrics.

The final moment of the ad pulls on the heart strings as the young girl watches on from the staircase while her grandmother tearfully enjoys the newly recorded "duet."

The ad carries on from the sweet tone of Apple's 2013 Christmas commercial and has proven to be wildly popular.

As Apple and Samsung continue the advertising battle over the new features of their gadgets, some have applauded the approach from the Californian based company that places the consumer (and not the product) back at the centre of their marketing.

Many others took to twitter to express their "feels" over the heartfelt ad.

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‘All the children were bleeding’

Terrorists stormed an army school in Peshawar, Pakistan killing possibly over 80 children.

Unfolding ... A hospital security guard helps a student injured in the shootout at a school under attack by Taliban gunmen in Peshawar, Pakistan. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

Taliban gunmen have killed 130 people, the majority children, after storming an army-run school in restive northwest Pakistan.

Witnesses described how a huge blast shook the Army Public School in the northwestern city of Peshawar and gunmen went from classroom to classroom, shooting children.

The militants had been ordered to shoot older students, a Taliban spokesman said, adding the attack was revenge for a major military offensive in the region.

Tragic ... The wounded start arriving at a hospital for treatment. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

At least five insurgents wearing military uniforms entered the school a source said.

Senior provincial minister Inayatullah told AFP at least 104 bodies had been taken to two hospitals in Peshawar.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was retaliation for the army's continuing operation against militants in the North Waziristan tribal area close to Peshawar.

Provincial information minister Mushtaq Ghani said many of the dead were killed in a suicide blast.

Injured ... Pakistani volunteers help carry injured students into hospital. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

Mudassar Abbas, a physics laboratory assistant at the school, said some students were celebrating at a party when the attack began.

"I saw six or seven people walking class-to-class and opening fire on children," he said.

A student who survived the attack said soldiers came to rescue students during a lull in the firing.

"When we were coming out of the class we saw dead bodies of our friends lying in the corridors. They were bleeding. Some were shot three times, some four times," the student said.

"The men entered the rooms one by one and started indiscriminate firing at the staff and students."

Carnage ... Rescue workers transport students from ambulances into hospitals. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

The school on Peshawar's Warsak Road is part of the Army Public Schools and Colleges System, which runs 146 schools nationwide for the children of military personnel and civilians.

The schools educate the children of both officers and non-commissioned soldiers and army wives often teach in them.

The attack began in the morning, with the Taliban shooting at random, said police officer Javed Khan.

Army commandos quickly arrived at the scene and exchanged fire with the gunmen, he said.

Outside the school, shooting was initially heard along with one loud bang of unknown origin.

Bloodbath ... A wounded student said all the children had bullet wounds. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

Pakistani television showed soldiers surrounding the area and pushing people back.

The Pakistani military said in a statement that a rescue operation was underway and that most of the students and the staff had been evacuated.

Later, one of the wounded students, Abdullah Jamal, said that he was with a group of 8th, 9th and 10th graders who were getting first-aid instructions and training with a team of Pakistani army medics when the violence began for real.

When the shooting started, Jamal, who was shot in the leg, said nobody knew what was going on in the first few seconds.

On the scene ... Pakistani army troops arrived quickly to conduct an operation at the school. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

At the ready ... Pakistani soldiers take up position. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

"Then I saw children falling down who were crying and screaming. I also fell down. I learned later that I have got a bullet," he said, speaking from his hospital bed.

"All the children had bullet wounds. All the children were bleeding," Jamal added.

"This attack is a response to Zarb-e-Azab and the killing of Taliban fighters and harassing their families." Zarb-e-Azb is the official name for the army's offensive against strongholds of the Taliban and other militants in North Waziristan.

The military has hailed the operation as a major success in disrupting the TTP's insurgency, which has killed thousands of Pakistanis since it erupted in 2007.

Safely out ... A plainclothes security officer escorts students rescued from a nearby school during the attack. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

Devastating ... Families wait for news and their loved ones at the hospital. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

More than 1,600 militants have been killed since the launch of Zarb-e-Azb in June, according to data compiled by AFP from regular military statements.

Talat Masood, a retired general and security analyst, said the attack was intended to weaken the military's resolve.

"It is both tactical and strategic. The militants know they won't be able to strike at the heart of the military, they don't have the capacity because the army are prepared," Masood told AFP.

"So they are going for soft targets. These attacks have a great psychological impact." The semi-autonomous tribal areas that border Afghanistan have for years been a hideout for Islamist militants of all stripes -- including Al-Qaeda and the homegrown TTP as well as foreign fighters such as Uzbeks and Uighurs.

Rising ... The number of victims from the attack are continuing to rise. Picture: AP/Mohammad Sajjad Source: AP

Washington pressed Islamabad for years to wipe out the sanctuaries in North Waziristan, which militants have used to launch attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Peshawar has been the target of frequent militant attacks in the past but has seen a relative lull recently.

India has condemned the latest attack by Taliban militants.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the attack in the northwestern city of Peshawar exposed the "real face of terrorism".

"I strongly condemn the terrorist attack on a school at Peshawar," he tweeted. "This dastardly & inhuman attack exposes the real face of terrorism. My heart goes out to the families of those children who got killed by the terrorists in Peshawar."

India has repeatedly urged Pakistan to rein in militant groups operating on its soil.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence in 1947, and deadly attacks on Mumbai by Pakistan-based militants dealt a blow to tentative peace talks in 2008.

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Sydney siege: What we know

Sydney's Lindt cafe siege is described by NSW police commissioner Andrew Scipione as a hostage situation with one armed offender and an undisclosed number of hostages.

An image of the man suspected of being behind the continuing siege at a Sydney cafe. Source: Channel 7

AUSTRALIA has been rocked by a possible terrorist attack, with staff and customers taken hostage in a cafe in Sydney's centre.

As rumour and speculation swirls around the incident, here's a breakdown of what we know and what we don't.

WHAT WE KNOW

● An unknown number of hostages are being held by an armed man in the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place

● Police were alerted to the incident about 9.45am when a woman saw a man outside the cafe with a blue sports bag that appeared to contain a gun

● Five hostages have escaped the cafe, three of whom appeared to be Lindt employees. One male hostage has been treated at St Vincent's Hospital. A spokesman would not comment on his condition but said "he is fine"

● NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said tonight officers were focused only on Martin Place: "We're not concerned at this stage with any other (location)"

The moment when three hostages emerged from the Lindt Cafe, during a siege in Sydney's Martin Place. Source: Channel 7

Hostages hold up a black and white flag, believed to be a banner often used by jihadists. Source: Channel 7

● The hostages held a flag up to the window known as The Black Standard, which has been used as a symbol by Islamic extremists

● At least one gunman is involved, a bearded man wearing a headband

● The police have made direct contact with the hostage-taker. Police have asked news.com.au not to reveal details of the phone calls they have had with him

● Police said workers outside of the exclusion zone bordered by Hunter, Pitt, King and Elizabeth streets in the Sydney CBD were OK to travel home via public transport as usual. Martin Place railway station remains closed

● Nobody is believed to have been harmed

● Police have erected a large black shield to cover the corner of the Lindt store from view; at least 100 police and tactical units are stationed in Martin Place

● Airspace in Sydney is open but some flights are being diverted around the CBD, according to Qantas

● Police handcuffed a man 200m from the cafe siege but a police statement has since clarified the arrest was not related to the siege.

Tactical police have been called in to deal with the continuing siege. Picture: AP Photo/Rob Griffith Source: AP

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW

● We do not know the motivation of the hostage-taker, nor what he is trying to achieve. It has not been confirmed whether the incident is related to terrorism, but NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said officers had "moved to a footing consistent with a terrorism event"

● We do not know if the gunman has any explosives

● We do not know if the hostage-taker is acting alone. "We know it's at least one," the commissioner said.

● Commissioner Scipione said police were in communication with the gunman but refused to reveal how. "Suffice to say we have got contact with him," he told media.

● The commissioner also declined to confirm whether the five who had fled the cafe had escaped or been released.

● We do not know the name, age or nationality of the hostage-taker but he is known to police

● We don't know exactly how many people have been held hostage. Some reports suggest there could be as few at 13, while the Lindt chief executive officer told news.com.au there could be 40 to 50 people held inside, including staff and customers. However, a police spokeswoman indicated there were fewer than 30.

Hostages were pushed up against the windows in the Lindt cafe. Source: Channel 7

Keep up to date with this unfolding story here.

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Hostages flee Sydney city siege

Sydney remains in the grip of terror tonight. Up to 15 hostages are being held at gun point in the heart of the city.

Several people appear to have fled from a Sydney cafe where up to 50 hostages are being held by a gunman.

Staff and customers hold up what is believed to be a jihadist flag up against the window of the Lindt cafe. Source: Channel 7

The latest live news coverage and commentary from Australia's No. 1 media company. Stream 1

• Five hostages have left the Lindt cafe in Martin Place
• They are all uninjured
• Police won't say if they escaped or were released
• Hostages are being forced to ring media outlets with the gunman's demands - police have asked media do not publish them
• Police won't say how many hostages remain inside the cafe because negotitions are delicate and may take some time

POLICE have promised to "work into the night" to resolve the Sydney hostage crisis.

Five people have emerged from the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place but an unknown number remain inside.

They are being held by a gunman who has forced them to display an Islamic flag, which has sparked fears of a terrorist attack.

Armed tactical response police personnel stand watch into the evening near a cafe under siege by a gunman at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney Source: AP

Police are still treating the incident as a hostage negotiation but have said they are responding to it as if it was a terrorist event and were prepared for anything that might eventuate.

People wanting general information about the siege should call 1800 227 228. Only call 000 in an emergency.

Tonight, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said: "Our only goal tonight and for as long as it takes is to get these people out safely."

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione (right) and NSW Premier Mike Baird discuss the siege situation at Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, Sydney CBD Source: News Corp Australia

He said police and security services were doing "absolutely all we can" and, speaking directly to the hostages, said they were doing "everything we can to set you free".

A female hostage stands by the front entrance of the cafe as she turns the lights off. Source: AFP

Mr Scipione would not say how many hostages remained inside the cafe and would not discuss police tactics to free them.

He repeated an earlier statement that the "best negotiators in the world" were working to get the hostages released.

One of the hostages runs towards police from a cafe in the central business district of Sydney. Source: AFP

Police were speaking directly with the gunman; however Mr Scipione would not say how they were speaking to him.

The gunman is known to police but the commissioner won't say how.

Police were prepared to work throughout the night to resolve the situation peacefully.

NSW Premier Mike Baird joined Mr Scipione at the media conference tonight. He praised the response of police and Sydneysiders to the crisis.

The hostages are being forced to huddle at one end of the cafe and one has covered a window with an apron, Channel 7 reported.

Hostages have also been held at the window throughout the afternoon. The lights have now gone off at the cafe.

Tactical police wearing night vision goggles remain in position outside the cafe.

Earlier in the day some hostages could be seen making throat-cutting gestures through the cafe windows.

Others have been forced to call media oulets with his demands. Police have asked media not to publish them.

Two female Lindt employees ran from the building just before 5pm. Three other hostages, all men, ran from the cafe this afternoon.

It isn't clear if any of the hostages were released or if they had escaped.

A terrified woman runs from the Lindt Cafe Source: Supplied

A terrified Lindt employee runs to safety Source: Supplied

Two of the first hostages to get away came out of the front door while the third came out of a fire door. All had their arms raised in the air.

Dramatic television images showed the terrified hostages running free from the building and being shielded by heavily-armed police.

One was a man in a white shirt and blue jacket, another wore a white shirt, while the third was clearly the Lindt cafe worker dressed in black.

It's understood the hostages are being fed inside the cafe.

Police are scouring social media, including Twitter and Facebook, to get a better idea of what is happening inside the Sydney siege.

At least one hostage appears to have posted on Facebook about Monday's siege and some of the gunman's demands.

The post has since been taken down.

Scores of police officers are monitoring social media channels for posts like these that help shape how they handle the tense stand-off.

"We are monitoring what is happening (on Twitter and Facebook) and that is forming a part of our tactical response in how to handle this," NSW Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said.

Ms Burn said a number of mediums were being used but the community needed to be careful not to overreact.

"We are aware of that and we are monitoring it and we are using it as part of our strategy," she said

David Faktor, spokesman for St Vincent's Hospital, told news.com.au that they have received "one male patient and he is in a satisfactory condition". Mr Faktor would not comment on anything else in relation to the man's condition but said "he is fine".

The hospital is on standby for anything else that might eventuate from the siege.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott addressed media tonight and praised police and security services for their work.

"I've received messages of support from a number of international leaders and I thank them for their encouragement on this difficult day. It has been a difficult day, it has tested us.

He added that "like Australians in all situations, we have risen to the challenge".

A hostage is seen outside the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place. Source: Getty Images

Two hostages run to safety outside the Lindt Cafe. Source: Getty Images

Dramatic scenes outside the Lindt Cafe as hostages run free after six hours of being held captive. Source: Getty Images

The five hostages escape followed reports that as many as 50 people being held by a gunman at the popular cafe. However, when asked this afternoon about the number of hostages Ms Burn said: "That sort of number does not equate to what we are assuming."

The offender took hostages at the popular Lindt chocolate cafe, in Martin Place, just before 10am (AEDT).

As Sunrise were in the middle of their live show, their camera's captured the drama as it unfolded in Martin Place. Courtesy: Sunrise

Some members of staff could be seen wearing their shop aprons and standing with their hands up at the windows. There is also a black and white flag being held up in a window. It is believed to be the Black Standard, a flag that has been hijacked by jihadists and Islamists, and that hostages were being forced to display it.

Hostages have reportedly called Channel 9 news late this afternoon - the second time media outlets have been called by those inside the cafe.

It's believed hostages have been forced to call the television network.

This morning at least two calls were made to 2GB host Ray Hadley. He later spoke to the mother of an 18-year-old apprentice plumber who texted his mother from inside the cafe.

When she asked him how he was he replied: "I'm okay Mum, I can't talk". She hasn't heard anything since then.

Three hostages - two customers and one employee - run out of the Lindt cafe where there is currently a hostage situation. Courtesy: Seven Network

Ms Burn said her information was that the remaining hostages hadn't been harmed.

The incident has not been branded a terrorist attack yet, but police have confirmed they have "moved to a footing consistent with a terrorism event" in their response.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione this afternoon told reporters it remained a hostage situation "but we are ready to escalate if we need to".

They did not have "direct contact" with the hostage-taker.

"We're working through that - at this stage we've not got extensive communications ... We are not dealing directly with him."

It was not clear what the offender's motivation was.

Lindt Australia CEO Steve Loane told news.com.au at the scene this morning he believed there are 40 to 50 people inside the cafe, including customers and staff.

Other reports are suggesting there may only be 13 hostages and police have since said they believe there to be fewer than 30 hostages.

Police handcuffed a man 200m from the cafe siege but a police statement has since clarified the arrest was unrelated to the siege.

RELATED: Lindt workers wait for news as hostage situation continues

One of the men believed to be holding people hostage: Courtesy: Channel 7 Source: Channel 7

Picture: Courtesy of Channel 7. Source: Channel 7

The National Security Committee of Cabinet met for briefings on the situation this morning.

"The whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people... Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society and nothing should ever change that and that's why I urge all Australians to today to go about their business as usual," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said.

Mr Abbott said if anyone noticed anything unusual they should call the National Security Hotline 1800 123 400.

He said that the ordinary business of government would go on and the Budget update would be released as planned.

NSW Premier Mike Baird said this afternoon: "We are being tested today in Sydney. The police is being tested, the public is being tested, but whatever the test ...we will remain a democractic, civil society.

"There could be some disruption obviously, we are asking also to be patient ... we will get through this."

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione confirmed an "armed offender" was involved. Police were doing everything in their power to bring the situation to a "peaceful outcome".

"We have a number of incidents that people believe are connected to the city events

a lot of people concerned when they see police vehicle drive down their street, (that area is involved). This is not the case."

He said there were a number of officers on standby and was satisfied with the response so far. "It's as good as you will get anywhere."

Major landmarks in Sydney, including the Sydney Opera House, have been evacuated as police respond to a hostage situation inside a Martin Place cafe. Source: Getty Images

Police are patrolling landmarks around Sydney in response to the Martin Pl hostage siege. Source: Getty Images

In a statement earlier, Mr Abbott said he had also spoken with NSW Premier Mike Baird and "offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance".

"This is obviously a deeply concerning incident but all Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner," he said.

Mr Baird said his thoughts and prayers were with those affected.

"I've spoken to Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione & have full confidence NSW Police are working effectively to resolve the situation," Mr Baird said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said he had spoken with Mr Abbott this morning and offered him the Opposition's full support.

"Our thoughts and prayers today are with the innocent people involved ... (and) also with their families who are seeing this incredibly distressing situation unfold, along with the rest of Australia.

"Australians can be assured that we are one when it comes to keeping Australians safe."

Tactical response officers arrive at the scene. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Siege at Martin Place. Source: Supplied

Earlier today, Sydney talkback show host Ray Hadley reportedly spoke to one of the hostages inside the cafe off air.

A spokesman for 2GB said Hadly spoke to someone who he believed was a hostage inside the cafe.

The radio presenter called the number more than once and passed the name and details onto the police.

The Sydney Opera House, which was evacuated earlier today, has cancelled tonight's performances, while police have urged people to stay away from the central city tonight for their own safety.

International reaction to the crisis has been swift with Canadian PM Stephen Harper tweeting his support and US President Barack Obama being briefed on the situation at the White House.

Lindt Cafe released the following statement on their Facebook page.

"We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and kind support over the current situation at the Lindt Chocolate Café at Martin Place. We are deeply concerned over this serious incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the staff and customers involved and all their friends and families. The matter is being dealt with by the authorities and we are waiting for any updates from them."

Also on Facebook were pages supporting the gunman, including one called "Lindt cafe bombers supporters facebook page". Facebook swiftly removed the page, and urged users to report any offending pages immediately for them to remove.

Police have set up an exclusion zone around the cafe in Martin Place.

BUILDINGS EVACUATED

A Lindt cafe worker who managed to get out of the building told Nine News: "Everyone was sitting down, the door was locked. There was one guy walking around with a hat and a beard."

Channel 7 reported that a woman told police that she saw a man near the cafe at 9.44am (AEDT) carrying a blue sports bag with what she thought was a gun inside.

The chocolate shop is 30 or 40 metres from the Channel 7 offices so they have cameras trained on the building. Channel 7 was evacuated.

Martin Place is home to several prominent buildings, including NSW Premier Mike Baird's office, the Reserve Bank of Australia, Westpac Bank and the Commonwealth Bank headquarters as well as the US embassy and the Seven Network. The Supreme Court, Sydney Hospital, State Library of NSW, and NSW parliament were also in lock-down.

The Sydney Opera House was also in lock-down for a short time as authorities enacted a cluster of security measures across the city.

The US Consulate has also been closed.

Seven reporter Chris Reason is currently on the corner of Philip and Hunter St where all five floors of Channel 7 staff were evacuated. He told news.com.au that he is with several hundred people from Seven and surrounding buildings.

He confirmed that police entered Channel 7 at 10am to use their building as a viewing point after the incident first happened at 9.44am.

Footage has emerged of heavily armed police running near Martin Place in Sydney's CBD.

Courtesy of Channel 7. Source: Channel 7

A map of Sydney shows where the Martin Place Lindt Chocolate cafe is located. Source: News Corp Australia

At 10.20am the entire building was evacuated and the central hosting duties was transferred to Melbourne to broadcast out of there.

Police have erected a large black shield to cover the corner of the Lindt Store from view.

Mr Reason said: "It's tense, people are obviously concerned for the people inside. During the initial minutes when the evacuation happened there was, of course, a lot of concern, a lot of anguish from some staff. But nobody resisted, we all followed police orders. Right now, outside the building there is a mix of curiosity and concern and hope that the people inside get out OK."

Currently there are at least 100 police and tactical units stationed in Martin Place

"I was at a cafe right next to the Lindt Store when I noticed people suddenly running towards the building and looking in. At 9.45 I sort of approached and realised what was happening. At first we thought it was an armed holdup because the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) is next door and there were armoured vehicles outside. When we saw the hostages against the windows holding up the flags it was quickly apparent that this was severely urgent."

When asked whether he thought why the men may have chosen Martin Place, he said: "It's hard to tell, as we saw in the terror raids in September, Martin Place would be a target. It might not be iconic Sydney location but it is deeply symbolic, on top of our building (Seven) is the State Government, the treasurer the minister, beside it is the financial heart of Sydney with the reserve bank and right in the centre is the cenotaph and ANZAC memorial so it ticks so many boxes when trying to make a political statement."

There are State Government agencies in the same building and police have shut down traffic in a wide perimeter surrounding the incident. Surrounding buildings are also in lockdown.

RELATED: Martin Place long identified as potential terrorist target

There is no confirmation yet whether this is a terrorist attack.

A police statement confirmed that they were dealing with an armed incident and specialist officers were attempting to make contact those inside a cafe.

"Some nearby offices have been evacuated as a precaution. Anyone else in the area encompassing Hunter, George, Elizabeth and Macquarie streets bordering Martin Place is directed to remain indoors and away from open windows. Anyone in the vicinity but outside that area is free to leave their buildings," the statement said.

"Police urge members of the public to remain calm and note that an appropriate police presence is in place.

Elsewhere in Australia, security has reportedly been increased at the Gabba ahead of the cricket and the Lindt Cafe in Melbourne has been closed with police patrolling the streets outside.

TRANSPORT IMPACTED

The Martin Place train station is shut and trains and buses around the area are being diverted or stopped, including trains between Bondi Junction and Central. Roads are blocked.

A Transport for Sydney spokeswoman told news.com.au that conditions were still changing and they would follow directions from police.

"This is chilling," said The Morning Show host Kylie Gillies of the scene as she watched on with host Larry Emdur from the Channel 7 news studios. The duo are now off air.

RELATED: Sydney trains cancelled, buses diverted

Right across from the Seven Network office in Martin Place, cameras focus on customers with hands in the air and holding a jihadist flag to the window. Courtesy Seven Network

Airspace in Sydney is open but some flights are being diverted around the CBD, according to Qantas.

The Federal Government denied reports the airspace over the Sydney CBD had been shut down.

"There are choppers in the air and air traffic is being rerouted according. At this stage no impact on the air traffic network," a spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss said.

Martin Place has been completely shut down during what is a busy time for Christmas shoppers and kids on school holidays.

"The police operation is under way, we're urging people to avoid the area while it's under way," a police spokesman told news.com.au

RAIDS THIS MORNING

There were reports that there were raids at Lakemba but a spokeswoman for the Lebanese Muslim Association told news.com.au that "many" police visited them at Lakemba this morning "to discuss what's going on at Martin Place".

She did not believe raids had been held at Lakemba.

This morning a Sydney man was taken into custody on suspicion of terrorism related offences after a morning raid from counter terrorism units of the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police.

AFP confirmed a 25-year-old Beecroft man was arrested by NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) as part of continuing investigations into the planning of a terrorist attack on Australian soil and the facilitation of travel of Australian citizens to Syria to engage in armed combat.

The unfolding situation follows a series of dramatic counterterrorism raids across Sydney in September this year in which 15 people were detained. Omarjan Azari, 22, was arrested and accused of conspiring with Mohammed Ali Baryalei, the most senior Australian involved in Islamic State.

Australian Federal Police Acting Commissioner Andrew Colvin said at the time "Police believe this group had started planning to commit violent acts in Australia. Those acts related to random acts against public."

It's understood there were plans to grab a random person off the street in Martin Place and execute them while posting a video to social media. The ABC also reported at the time Brisbane based suspects had bought machetes, balaclavas and military fatigues

Commonwealth prosecutor Michael Allnutt said at the time the act was designed to shock and terrify. "I don't think I've seen much worse," he said.

"It's been an immediate reaction to a clear, imperative danger. There is still an enormous amount of material for police to assess."

BLACK AND WHITE FLAG

The Black Standard is a flag also known as the standard of Mohammed. It carries the symbol of the eagle and was one of the flags flown by the prophet Mohammed but has been hijacked by jihadists and Islamists.

RELATED: What does the Black Standard flag mean?

In August 2014, British Prime Minister David Cameron declared anyone carrying The Black Standard could be arrested.

It is also banned from public demonstration in the Netherlands

The use of the image the flag for non-educational purposes is forbidden in Germany.

MORE TO COME

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Man charged over pedestrian death

A woman is dead and a man is seriously injured after a car mounted a footpath in Sydney's inner west.

A MAN has been charged after a pedestrian died and a second critically injured, after being struck by a car at Rozelle this morning.

Officers attached to Leichhardt Local Area Command and Crash Investigation Unit attended.

The man was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests, before being taken to Newtown Police Station.

He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning death, and fail to stop and assist after impact causing death.

The man was refused bail, to appear at Newtown Local Court tomorrow

FROM EARLIER:

A WOMAN is dead and a man is in a serious condition in hospital after a car mounted a footpath and ploughed into the pair at Rozelle this morning.

A passing surgeon on a bicycle performed CPR on the pair while motorists detained the 22-year-old driver who got out of his ute and wandered, apparently dazed, away from the crash.

The horrific crash happened about 11am on Victoria Road near Robert Street.

The car involved in the fatal pedestrian accident on Victoria road, Rozelle. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Witness Adrian Briscoe, 50, was at home when he heard three loud bangs and rushed onto the street to see what was happening.

"Everyone came out, people were screaming call an ambulance."

One woman held up a sheet while the surgeon worked on the pair.

Police at the scene where one pedestrian has died and a second has been taken to hospital after being hit by a car on Victoria Road, Rozelle. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Briscoe said a third man, who had been walking with the pair when they were struck, was shouting at the driver.

"There was this angry guy, as the cops ran up and grabbed this guy and handcuffed him and frog-marched him back he shouted: 'you f***ing killed my brother'."

"It is terrible so close to Christmas, people just going for an innocent Sunday stroll and bang a life has ended — it is horrid," Mr Briscoe said.

A witness to the tragic accident is comforted at the scene. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

The male pedestrian, believed to be in his late 20s, has been taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

The driver was also taken to RPA hospital for blood and urine testing before he was escorted to Newtown police station.

Two city-bound lanes of Victoria Road remain blocked.

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‘Out of control’ fire threatens homes

Lives and homes could be in danger from an out-of-control bushfire burning at a park in Perth's north-east.

A bushfire sends a massive plume of smoke into the sky from Whiteman Park. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Corp Australia

RESIDENTS in the northeast suburbs of Brabham and Henley Brook have been warned to either leave or actively defend their homes as fire threatens houses.

About 100 firefighters are battling the blaze and water bombers have been called in to fight it from the air.

The fire is now "out of control and unpredictable" and moving slowly in a north-easterly direction.

A bushfire Emegency Warning has been issued for people in the parts of Brabham and Henley Brook bounded by Lord Street, Henley Street, Murray Street and Woollcott Street, in the City of Swan.

Fire zone

"The bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable,'' DFES warns.

"Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting ahead of the fire.

"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

"The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as ember attack is now affecting the suburbs.

"Homes bordering Whiteman Park are under threat by fire now.

"The fire started in Whiteman Park and is burning on both sides of Lord Street, near homes in Brabham.''

The Deparment for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up an evacuation centre at the Altone Park Recreation Centre, on Benara Road in Beechboro.

The cause of the blaze is unknown but there are unconfirmed reports the Police Arson squad has been called into investigate.

A bushfire sends a massive plume of smoke into the sky from Whiteman Park. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Corp Australia

The fire was reported about 1.10pm.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a Watch and Act alert for the people inb Brabham in the City of Swan.

"The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire in Whiteman Park is burning towards homes in the area,'' DFES warned.

"This alert covers an area bounded by Lord Street, Park Street, Murray Road and Woollcott Avenue.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

"You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

"The fire started in Whiteman Park and is burning on both sides of Lord Street, close to homes near and between Charlton Way and Park Street, in Brabham.''

BALCATTA, SOUTHERN RIVER FIRES

In a shocking day for Perth firefighters, they were also called to deal with two other serious fires, one in Southern River, the other in Balcatta.

A structure and rubbish fire in Balcatta in now contained and under control, however smoke will be affecting the area for the rest of the evening.

The fire is burning at the Balcatta Recycling Centre on Balcatta Road, and has been contained to a rubbish pile.

The smoke plume is being blown north.

A bushfire advice has been issued for people in Homles Street, between Harpenden and Balfour Streets, in Southern River, in the City of Gosnells.

There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

There is no immediate danger, but people need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The fire is burning on the southern side of Holmes Street and is burning in a northern direction.

HENLEY BROOK BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is moving slowly in a north easterly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable. Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting ahead of the fire.

WHAT TO DO:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

SAFER PLACE:

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at (place). If you have animals you can relocate to (place).

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people in parts of Henley Brook bounded by Lord Street, Gnangara Road, Robert Street and Henley Street in the City of Swan.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

WHAT TO DO:

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Lord Street between Park Street and Harrow Street.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Approximately 100 career and volunteer firefighters are on the scene actively fighting the fire.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, 6PR or news bulletins.

Updates will be provided every hour unless the situation changes.

Originally published as 'Out of control' fire threatens homes

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