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

"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 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

+ Lifeline 13 1114

More to come

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

The street behind the horrors

Eight children have been stabbed to death in Cairns and a woman is helping police with their inquiries. Courtesy: Seven News

Police on the scene of a major incident in the Cairns suburb of Manoora. Police have blocked off Murray St and ambulances are on the scene. Picture: Grace Uhr. Source: News Corp Australia

THE residents of Murray street in Queensland's north are reeling after the bodies of eight children were discovered there in a family home on Friday morning.

MORE:EIGHT CHILDREN STABBED TO DEATH

It's a typical North Queensland street with palm trees everywhere. In case you need reminding you're in the tropics, nearby cross streets include Lychee Cl and Avocado Cl.

Murray Street Manoora may not be the flashest street in the flashest suburb in Cairns, but as local mum Jackie Teasdale said in an article in The Cairns Post 17 months ago, Murray St Manoora is a perfect place to raise her young family.

"Everyone knows everyone. My next door neighbours are great and really friendly," Mrs Teasdale said.

"It's a family-oriented street. On the Christmas holidays a lot of the kids will play cricket in the street."

Today's news is almost impossible to process. Source: News Corp Australia

But the suburb of Manoora has more than its share of detractors too.

In an infamously insensitive review, the site CairnsLifestyle said this of Manoora and surrounding suburbs.

"If you live in Cairns or are planning to be living in Cairns, you need to know this. There are a handful of suburbs that you want to avoid, and these are the suburbs west of Cairns that start with the letter M. The suburbs include Manunda, Mooroobool and Manoora.

"The Cairns M suburbs are densely populated with housing commission rental properties, and due to the presence of this demographic these suburbs should be considered a write off. Violence and crime are common in these suburbs and many locals do not recommend them worthy for rent or purchase."

A review on the website Life in Queensland was just as blunt. It called Manoora "Probably the worst burb in Cairns."

Other sites speak of high crime rates and a predominance of housing commission residences. But this is an area in flux. Manoora is just 4km west of the CBD, and Cairns is now Australia's 14th most populous city.

As the city grows and spreads, real estate agents say property values in Manoora will continue to increase. Indeed there is already a chartered accountant and a financial planner in the small complex of shops on the corner of Murray St. You don't tend to have those in the "worst burb" of any city.

News.com.au spoke this afternoon to one former business owner who preferred not to be named. He has run a business on the corner of Murray and Pease Streets for 20 years. While he endured a couple of minor break-and-enters in the first three years, he said he had seen not even a minor incident of crime in the last 17 years. "It's generally very much a family area," he said.

Murray St has a community centre and a park where Cairns Regional Council often hosts movie nights.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smith avoids captain’s curse

During day 2 of the 2nd Test between India and Australia Aussie captain Steve Smith has drew comparisons to the slick take by former captain Ricky Ponting in the 1999 World Cup.

Josh Hazlewood breaks down bowling and leaves the field during day one of the second Test. Source: News Corp Australia

FOLLOW the live coverage of day two of the second Test at the Gabba.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA SECOND TEST

6pm — SMITH DEFYING HISTORY

Steve Smith has started confidently at the Gabba. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith has been able to avoid the captain's curse in his debut innings as skipper, finishing day two of the second Test on 65 not out to help Australia to 4/221.

It's the highest score by an Australian player in their first innings as captain since Greg Chappell scored 123 in 1975.

Since then there's been a string of failures.

Graham Yallop v England, 1978 — 7

Kim Hughes v Pakistan, 1979 — 9

Allan Border v West Indies, 1984 — 21

Mark Taylor v Pakistan, 1994 — 0

Steve Waugh v West Indies, 1999 — 14

Adam Gilchrist v West Indies, 2000 — 9

Ricky Ponting v Sri Lanka, 2004 — 21

Michael Clarke v England, 2001 — 4

Shane Watson v India, 2013 — 17

Steve Smith v India, 2014 — 45 not out

Smith still has a way to go to reach Chappell — and for that matter Virat Kohli, who posted scores of 115 and 141 while captaining India for the first time in Adelaide last week.

But he's now made 279 runs in this series without being dismissed.

Mitch Marsh is seven not out but India will be hopeful of taking quick wickets tomorrow given the impressive form of recalled paceman Umesh Yadav (3/48).

5.40pm — MARSH FAILS TO MAKE INDIA PAY

Marsh failed to add to his total after being dropped by Anjinkya Rahane. Source: News Corp Australia

SHAUN Marsh has wasted the lifeline handed to him by Indian fielder Ajinkya Rahane.

The Aussie left-hander didn't score another run after being dropped by Rahane on 32, edging an Umesh Yadan delivery to Ravi Ashwin at first slip.

Australia is 4/213. Mitch Marsh has joined Steve Smith (60 not out) at the crease.

5.30pm — BLOOPER ALLOWS MARSH TO SURVIVE

Given how generous Shaun Marsh was in the field it was only fair the Indians returned the favour. Source: News Corp Australia

AJINKYA Rahane has dropped a regulation chance to gift Shaun Marsh a second life late on day two.

Marsh took on a Varun Aaron short ball but skied his shot high into the air.

Rahane was positioned underneath the ball and didn't have much to do but got it all wrong and grassed the chance.

Marsh is 32 not out and has combined with Steve Smith (59 not out) to put on 86 runs since the fall of the last wicket.

Australia is 3/207 chasing India's first innings total of 408.

4.30pm — KITCHEN PREPARES SUB FOR TEST CAULDRON

Substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne has shown up Australian skipper Steve Smith, taking an absolute screamer to remove India's Varun Aaron.

A FEW weeks ago he was catching corn in the kitchen and reckoned short leg fielding could never be more fun.

But today Marnus Labuschagne found something that was more fun — doing it in a Test match.

Lubchagne continued the exotic tradition of substitute fieldsman having a moment to cherish with a spectacular catch at the Gabba when he dived forward at short leg to catch Umesh Yadav with his outstretched right hand centimetres above the turf off Nathan Lyon's bowling.

Labuschagne, who made his Sheffield Shield debut for Queensland this season, hails from Klerksdorp, South Africa, birthplace of iconic anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu.

He moved to Queensland with his parents a decade ago as his father worked in the mining industry.

When arriving in Queensland Labuschagne, raised speaking Afrikaans in South Africa, barely spoke English and had trouble understanding it when he went to school.

Check out Labuschagne's corn catching skills in the video below.

- Robert Craddock

3.50pm — ROGERS FALLS, AUSSIES 3/121 AT TEA

Chris Rogers was out not long after passing 50. Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Rogers made his first half century since February but lost his wicket just before tea to leave Australia in a vulnerable position at 3/121.

The under-the-pump opener looked good while making 55 from 79 balls but fell to a well-executed Indian plan.

Umesh Yadav targetted Rogers with shortish deliveries angled down the leg side and he gloved one through to keeper MS Dhoni.

It places huge pressure on new skipper Steve Smith (six not out) and recalled Shaun Marsh to post big scores.

3.30pm — WATSON FAILS AGAIN, ROGERS REACHES 50

Shane Watson's lean patch has continued. Source: News Corp Australia

The Indians congratulate Shikhar Dhawan for a well taken catch. Source: News Corp Australia

SHANE Watson has now gone seven innings without a half century after failing to convert another start in Brisbane today.

The No. 3 attempted to hit Indian offspinner Ravi Ashwin down the ground but miscued his shot and was caught at mid-on by Shikhar Dhawan for 25.

Australia is 2/115. Chris Rogers is on his way to a potentially career-saving innings, having recently passed the half century mark.

2.20pm — WARNER FALLS AFTER BRIGHT START

David Warner is out for less than 100 for the first time in the series. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has suffered the crucial loss of David Warner as it begins the long chase of India's first innings score of 408.

Warner scored 29 runs off 28 balls as the home side raced out of the blocks before top edging an attempted pull shot off Umesh Yadav which looped to Ravi Ashwin.

Australia is 1/47 in the ninth over. Chris Rogers is 16 not out.

1.10pm — INDIA ALL OUT FOR 408

Nathan Lyon finished with three first innings wickets. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has completed an impressive comeback in the opening session of day two, taking 6/97 to bowl India out for 408.

Nathan Lyon had Umesh Yadav caught at deep midwicket by Chris Rogers to complete the innings and leave the Aussies in good spirits at the lunch break.

Josh Hazlewood was the star, finishing with figures of 5/68 in his debut Test, but received good support from Lyon (3/105).

Sensational catches by Steve Smith and substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne highlighted the morning.

Brad Haddin also made history, equalling the Australian record shared by Wally Grout, Rod Marsh and Ian Healy with six catches in an innings.

The wicketkeeper passed England's Alec Stewart on the most dismissals list during the innings to now sit ninth all-time with 246.

MOST TEST DISMISSALS — TOP 10

Mark Boucher (South Africa) 555

Adam Gilchrist (Australia) 416

Ian Healy (Australia) 395

Rod Marsh (Australia) 355

MS Dhoni (India) 280

Jeff Dujon (West Indies) 270

Alan Knott (England) 269

Matt Prior (England) 256

Brad Haddin (Australia) 246

Alec Stewart (England) 241

Australia's bowlers have fought back on the second day of the Gabba Test against India, taking a flurry of wickets.

1pm — SUBSTITUTE FIELDER TAKES A BEAUTY

Nathan Lyon watches as substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne plucks a screamer. Source: News Corp Australia

Marnus Labuschagne celebrates his catch. Source: Getty Images

WE'D never heard of him and we're guessing you hadn't either but Marnus Labuschagne wrote his name into the history books with a sublime catch of Nathan Lyon this morning.

The South African-born substitute was fielding at bat pad when Varun Aaron popped one up.

He dove full length onto the pitch and just got his fingers under the ball before it hit the ground to reduce India to 9/407.

12.50pm — FIVE FOR HAZLEWOOD

Josh Hazlewood salutes the crowd after claiming his fifth wicket. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA is firmly into the Indian tail after Josh Hazlewood had MS Dhoni caught behind for 33.

It gave the debutant five wickets and also saw Haddin equal an Australian record for the most catches by a wicketkeeper in a Test innings with six.

The world record is seven.

India is 8/394.

12.45pm — WARNE STANDS BY STARC CRITICISM

Warne checks his phone and enjoys a cigarette at the Gabba yesterday. Source: News Corp Australia

SPIN king Shane Warne says he has the full support of the Australian coaching staff in his assertion that Mitchell Starc's body language is "soft."

Warne told Channel Nine this morning that Darren Lehmann and bowling coach Craig McDermott have both been at struggling left-armer Starc to strengthen his presence on the field.

Yesterday Warne said in commentary early in the day when Starc was battling through his first spell that: "His body language has to be tougher. He just looks a bit nonchalant. A bit hunched shoulders. He just looks a bit soft."

Other commentators like Michael Slater and Mark Taylor agreed with him.

Today Warne stood by his strong criticism and said Lehmann agreed with his observations when they chatted on the phone to clear the air.

"Just to back it up, I spoke to Darren Lehmann last night," he said.

"I texted Boof and said, 'mate, do we need to chat or are we good?'

"We spoke and he said, 'what you said is exactly what we've been saying.'

"Craig McDermott the bowling coach and Darren Lehmann have both been working on Mitchell Starc.

"Mitchell Johnson even said last year he had to work on his body language and have a look at how good he is – the best bowler in the world.

"I think all of us in commentary want to be as constructive as we possibly can.

"(I've) played a fair bit of cricket, 25 years at the top level, and what I saw with Mitchell Starc was he needs to improve his body language. He needs a better presence and let batsmen know he's around.

"That's all I meant by it and I stand by what I said."

- Ben Horne

Courier Mail reporter Ben Dorries discusses Shane Warne's comments about Australian Test bowler Mitchell Starc.

12.40pm — A NEW STAR IS BORN

Take a bow, Josh Hazlewood. Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA is continuing to ride Josh Hazlewood in the first innings of the second Test and the debutant is continuing to deliver.

Ravi Ashwin became the fast bowler's fourth victim when another wonderful length ball which moved off the pitch drew him into an edge which flew to Shane Watson at first slip.

Hazlewood (4/62) is carrying Australia's attack as Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc continue to struggle.

India is 7/385. MS Dhoni is 24 not out.

12.20pm — STARC'S HORROR TEST CONTINUES

There's been nowhere to hide for Mitchell Starc. Source: AFP

MITCHELL Starc has been dropped 10 times in his 14 Test career and he's on his way to axeing number 11.

The pace bowler was a huge topic of conversation on day one after Shane Warne criticised his body language and he struggled with the hot conditions.

The tough times have continued this morning as his first three overs have gone for 27 runs to take his figures to 0/83 from 17 overs.

At a time when Steve Smith needs all his strike bowlers in form because of an injury to Mitch Marsh, Starc is being slapped around by MS Dhoni and Ravi Ashwin.

Mitchell Johnson has also struggled to have an impact.

His figures are 0/81 as India (6/373) looks to regain control after the loss of two early wickets today.

11.40am — SMITH PLUCKS A SCREAMER

Shane Watson and Steve Smith have combined to remove Rohit Sharma. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith continued Australia's positive start to day two by taking an incredible diving catch off the bowling of Shane Watson to dismiss Rohit Sharma.

Watson's wide outswinger drew Sharma forward and he sent a thick edge low to Smith's right.

But the new Aussie skipper was up to the challenge, timing his dive to perfection and grasping the ball with one hand.

Australia has taken 2/17 this morning to reduce India to 6/328.

The inclusion of MS Dhoni and Ravi Ashwin — who are currently at the crease — has added depth to India's batting lineup.

But Australia will be hopeful of knocking the visitors over for less than 400 given India lost its last four wickets for 45 runs in the first innings and 16 runs in the second innings in Adelaide.

Day two of Steve Smith's captaincy reign is off to a much better start than day one, with the Australian skipper snaring a screamer to remove Indian batsman Rohit Sharma.

11.10am — HAZLEWOOD PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF

Josh Hazlewood has made the perfect start to day two. Source: Getty Images

JOSH Hazlewood has his third wicket and Brad Haddin his fifth catch after the fall of Ajinkya Rahane this morning for 81.

Hazlewood produced an absolute peach in the third over of today's opening session, drawing the Indian batsman into a shot and finding the edge.

Haddin has caught all five of the Indian batsmen dismissed so far and is a real chance to challenge the Test record of seven catches in an innings.

The visitors are 5/321. MS Dhoni has joined Rohit Sharma (30 not out) at the crease and wore an early one from Hazlewood on his upper arm.

9.15am — VIJAY RIPS INTO 'SULKING' AUSSIE BOWLERS

Mitchell Starc struggles with the heat during day one of the second Test. Source: News Corp Australia

INDIAN opener Murali Vijay added insult to injury for Australia, chiding the home side's bowlers for "sulking" during a brutal opening day in the first Test.

Vijay scored a century at the Gabba, powering India to a total of 4-311 by stumps.

It was a tough day in more ways then one for the Australian quicks with Mitch Marsh (hamstring), Mitchell Starc (back and ribs) and debutant Josh Hazlewood (cramps) all leaving the park in pain on a stifling Brisbane summer day.

Marsh won't bowl on day two, but Hazlewood and Starc might be back.

"Today was really, really hot and was testing us all ... I could see a lot of bowlers sulking out there because it was really hot," Vijay said.

"Mentally, you're drained."

It's going to be hot again today but there are storms forecast for later this evening.

8.30am —STEVE SMITH'S FIRST CRISIS AS SKIPPER

Captain Steve Smith is facing a tremendous battle in his first Test as Australian captain. Source: News Corp Australia

IT is shaping as a case of who will be the last fast man standing after a horror first day for Australia's bowlers in the second Test.

Allrounder Mitch Marsh will not bowl again in Brisbane, while there is a cloud over Mitchell Starc who left the field on day one after battling back and rib pain and also struggling with scorching 38C temperatures.

Debutant paceman Josh Hazlewood also suffered cramp, leaving Mitchell Johnson as the only bowler to end the first day unscathed — but even he has an ongoing finger problem.

With another hot day expected, and India resuming in the strong position of 4/311, the Australian bowlers could be facing another long day in the field — and young skipper Steve Smith's options are diminishing by the minute.

It will be a tremendous test for Smith in his first match as captain to rotate the bowlers without overworking them but trying to bowl out the Indians before the game gets away from Australia on a good batting deck.

India has never won a Test at the Gabba in its history.

8am — INDIAN BATSMAN'S STRANGE BATTING TACTIC

Murali Vijay didn't realise he'd scored a hundred until his teammate told him. Source: Getty Images

AFTER a gut-wrenching dismissal on 99 last week, Murali Vijay made sure he didn't make himself too nervous in the nineties at the Gabba.

The India opener looked slightly surprised Wednesday when he reached his fifth Test century, and needed his batting partner Ajinkya Rahane to confirm he'd safely progressed to triple figures.

"I was not aware of how much I was batting on. I was looking at the team score and batting, and Ajinkya was the non-striker, he told me that I got a hundred. So that's when I realized," Vijay recounted. "It's good in a way. I didn't want to see the score, because I got out for 99 in the last game."

— with wire agencies

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brace for another serious thunderstorm

Thunderstorms have left a trail of damage across south-east Queensland at the beginning of whats expected to be a week of wild weather.

QUEENSLANDERS are being warned to brace for a potentially serious thunderstorm tonight.

Just weeks after the last massive storm that caused hundreds of millions in damage, the weather bureau is warning of severe thunderstorms that could bring damaging winds and very heavy rain.

Wind gusts of up to 80km/h have already been recorded as the storm heads south towards the Brisbane metro area and then the Gold Coast.

It was possible there would be small hail bigger than 2cm in Brisbane and forecasters could not rule out flash flooding.

A number of Christmas activities planned for central Brisbane tonight have already been cancelled.

The worst of the weather is expected very soon in Brisbane and by 6pm on the Gold Coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Robert Wood told the Courier-Mail the winds were "already quite strong".

"The Coast should be hit by heavy rain and gale force winds between 5-6pm."

Stunning lighting show captured as a storm passed the Gold Coast last night. Source: Supplied

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

How to make a billion people furious

Questions have again be asked as to why India refuses to use the DRS after Cheteshwar Pujara being dismissed despite the ball hitting his helmet and not his gloves.

Shane Warne slams Mitchell Starc for nonchalant body language.

Coach Darren Lehmann and captain Steve Smith speak ahead of the second Test. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW the live coverage of the second Test between Australian and India at the Gabba in Brisbane.

A scorching day is expected, with a top temperature of 38C and a green Gabba deck.

Play starts at 10am local time (11am AEDT).

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA SECOND TEST

5.35pm — LYON MAKES THE BREAKTHROUGH

The Aussies were relieved to see the back of Murali Vijay. Source: News Corp Australia

NATHAN Lyon has taken a wicket which was just as important as any of the 12 he claimed in Adelaide to end the Murali Vijay-Ajinkya Rahane partnership at 124 runs.

Vijay's outstanding innings of 144 came to an end when he advanced down the pitch to a Lyon ball which didn't turn and caught a faint edge which Brad Haddin took with glee.

It was Haddin's fourth catch of the innings.

Vijay can be well satisfied with his work today. India is in a strong position at 4/261 with Ajinkya Rahane 52 not out.

Rohit Sharma is at the crease and the visitors next two batsmen — MS Dhoni and Ravi Ashwin — both average close to 40 in Tests.

India's Murali Vijay has notched up an impressive century in difficult conditions. The Aussies are also struggling with the heat - and to make matters worse, Mitchell Marsh was forced from the field with a hamstring injury.

5.10pm — VIJAY OPENS HIS SHOULDERS

Murali Vijay has put his foot down in the final session. Source: Getty Images

INDIA is firmly in control of the first Test and piling on the runs in the evening session at the Gabba.

The visitors have added 86 runs in the first 14 overs since tea at more than a run a ball to move to 3/237.

Murali Vijay is 135 not out and Ajinkya Rahane is beginning to join in on the fun moving to 37 not out.

The Indians continue to target Mitchell Starc (0/54 from 13 overs) and Nathan Lyon (0/73 from 17 overs).

4.20pm — HEAT STARTING TO TAKE ITS TOLL

Josh Hazlewood collapsed with cramp. Source: News Corp Australia

Murali Vijay has been on fire in this series. Source: Getty Images

JOSH Hazlewood has left the field after struggling with cramp early in the final session of day one in the first Test.

The debutant has been Australia's best bowler today but has succumbed to 38C temperatures.

Indian batsman Murali Vijay — a man born in Chennai who is more than used to heat like this — has just notched an impressive century.

He is 106 not out as India moves to 3/186 but should be back in the changerooms after Shaun Marsh dropped him for the second time today.

Vijay misjudged a Mitchell Johnson slower ball and lobbed his shot in Marsh's direction. But the Aussie fielder overdid his jump and saw the ball hit his wrist.

3.40pm — HAZLEWOOD PLAYING A LONE HAND

Josh Hazlewood has been the pick of the Aussie bowlers. Source: Getty Images

JOSH Hazlewood removed Indian dangerman Virat Kohli during an inspired spell of bowling but he's lacking partners at the Gabba.

India is 3/151 at tea on the first day as Murali Vijay (73 not out) continues to frustrate the Aussies.

Kohli (19) tried to cut a ball that was too close to his body and because of the extra bounce nicked it through to Brad Haddin.

Hazlewood (2/18 from 11 overs) nearly struck again three balls later, forcing Ajinkye Rahane into a poor shot.

But the muffed pull fell just out of reach of the fast bowler, who was inches away from a caught and bowled.

Mitchell Starc (0/38) left the field for a short period after appearing to suffer from heat exhaustion but returned later in the session.

Mitchell Starc struggles with the heat during day one. Source: News Corp Australia

2.20pm — IAN GOULD MAKES A BILLION PEOPLE ANGRY

Ian Gould got it all wrong. Source: Getty Images

Time to ask the boss for DRS, Pujara. Source: AFP

Josh Hazlewood celebrates his first Test wicket. Source: Getty Images

INDIA'S refusal to use DRS has hurt them again as Cheteshwar Pujara was given out caught behind for a ball that brushed the grill on his helmet.

The Indian first drop swayed away from a rising Josh Hazlewood delivery and moved his hands to shield his face.

It fooled umpire Ian Gould into thinking the ball had made contact with Pujara's gloves but replays clearly showed the ball hitting his helmet.

Twitter exploded in cricket-mad India and even Aussie skipper Michael Clarke sympathised with the visitors.

India is 2/100. Virat Kohli has joined Murali Vijay (54 not out) at the crease.

2pm — CLARKE LABELS SURGERY A SUCCESS

Michael Clarke has had successful hamstring surgery. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN physio Alex Kountouris will give an update of Michael Clarke's hamstring surgery this afternoon but the skipper says the operation was a success.

Clarke left the field on the final day of Australia's first Test win in Adelaide and faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

1.50pm — MARSH INJURES HAMSTRING

Australia's injury woes continue. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA has suffered a major blow today after rookie allrounder Mitchell Marsh injured his hamstring in the second Test against India at the Gabba.

The second session started disastrously for the home side when Marsh broke down bowling the final ball of the second over after lunch.

After sending down the final delivery of his sixth over, Marsh stopped abruptly and grimaced before leaving the field immediately shaking his head.

The 23-year-old was later diagnosed with right hamstring soreness and is undergoing treatment with Australian medicos in the hope of returning to the field.

It is a setback the Aussies can do without given that Marsh produced the only breakthrough of the opening session, claiming his first Test wicket with the removal of Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan.

Australia was already missing injured quick Ryan Harris as India reached 1-100 just after lunch after the visitors won the toss on a hot Brisbane day.

- Peter Badel

1pm — INDIA CLAIMS HONOURS IN OPENING SESSION

Murali Vijay has continued his fine start to the series. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA has failed to make significant inroads into the Indian batting order during the opening session in Brisbane, claiming just one wicket as the visitors reached lunch at 1/89.

Murali Vijay has followed up scores of 53 and 99 in the first Test by moving to 46 not out while Cheteshwar Pujara is 15 not out.

Aussie left-armers Mitchell Johnson (0/31 from six overs) and Mitchell Starc (0/17 from three overs) struggled with their line and length at times.

Mitch Marsh (1/13 from five overs), Josh Hazlewood (0/15 from seven overs) and Nathan Lyon (0/9 from four overs) have been the pick of the bowlers.

12.15pm — MITCH MARSH TAKES A WICKET ... FINALLY

Marsh is congratulated by older brother Shaun. Source: AP

That's one for the family photo album. Source: AP

IT'S taken quite a long time but Mitch Marsh finally has a Test wicket — and it couldn't have come at a better time for Australia.

Marsh removed Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan with his 346th delivery in Test cricket — a streak which rivals some of the most barren starts to a bowling career in Australian history.

Ian Chappell is understood to hold the record at 536 balls, while Kerry O'Keeffe also battled early, not taking a wicket until his 442nd ball.

The breakthrough left India 1/56 and it could have been worse if Shaun Marsh held a sharp chance at third slip off Mitchell Johnson the following over.

11.45am — SHANE WARNE RIPS INTO MITCHELL STARC

Is there a feud between Shane Warne and Mitchell Starc? Source: AAP

Warnie has let us know exactly what he thinks about Mitchell Starc. Source: Getty Images

SHANE Warne hasn't held back when discussing Mitchell Starc this morning, slamming the Aussie paceman for his lack of presence.

"His body language has to be tougher. He just looks a bit nonchalant. A bit hunched shoulders. He just looks a bit soft," said Warne during Channel 9's commentary.

"He has to really stick his chest out and really follow through and give good strong body language.

"... in his follow through, he's just like, 'Oh yeah, I've bowled a ball I'll just go back and bowl again.'

"There's no real presence with Starc. He needs to let the batsmen know he's here.

"I'd like to see him really own the batsmen and let them know he's around. He doesn't have to say anything, it's just in his presence and his body language."

Warne has continued to ride Starc throughout the day.

His strong stance could stem from comments made by Starc in late 2012 when (perhaps in an effort to drum up publicity for the Big Bash League) Warne said he was still capable of playing cricket for Australia.

In an effort to defend teammate and incumbent spinner Nathan Lyon, Starc said: He's (Warne) done his time. He's obviously done a lot of great things for Australian cricket, but he's done and dusted now, and Nathan Lyon's the spinner. We're all backing Nathan to do his job and if Shane Warne wants to come out of retirement and give it a crack, good luck to him."

India has negotiated the first hour well, moving to 0/44 from 11 overs.

Murali Vijay is 28 not out and Shikhar Dhawan 16 not out.

Starc is 0/17 from three overs.

Shane Warne slams Mitchell Starc for nonchalant body language.

11.15am — CHAPPELI DRILLS DHONI, TWITTER APPROVES

MS Dhoni is in the firing line already. Source: Getty Images

CHANNEL 9 commentator Ian Chappell has come in all guns blazing at the start of today's play — targetting Indian skipper MS Dhoni.

The wicket-keeper is yet to play in this series — and yet to take part in this game because India is batting — but that didn't stop Chappeli from having a crack at his ability with the gloves.

It didn't go unnoticed on Twitter.

10.55am — POLLARD SMASHES SIX SIXES IN ONE OVER

West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard has sent a warning to Big Bash League bowlers, belting six sixes in an over during a warm up match for the Adelaide Strikers.

While we're waiting for the first ball at the Gabba have a look at West Indian big-hitter Kieron Pollard club six sixes off one over in a trial game for the Adelaide Strikers.

Good luck bowling to him in the Big Bash League this season.

10.30am — INDIA WIN TOSS, BAT FIRST

Steve Smith is presented the captain's jacket by Mark Taylor. Source: News Corp Australia

Josh Hazlewood is presented his baggy green by Glenn McGrath. Source: News Corp Australia

INDIA has won the toss and elected to bat first on what appears to be a green top at the Gabba.

Over to you, Mitchell Johnson and Co.

India has made three changes to the team from the first Test, with MS Dhoni returning at the expense of Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav replacing Mohammad Shami and Ravi Ashwin replacing Karn Sharma.

FULL TEAMS

AUSTRALIA: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (c), Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (vc), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

INDIA: Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (vc), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni (c), Ravi Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron, Umesh Yadav.

9am — 'GREEN EYED GABBA MONSTER'

Mitchell Johnson loves the pace of the Gabba deck. Source: Getty Images

AUSSIE spearhead Mitchell Johnson will be licking his lips at the prospect of bowling on a super green Gabba pitch as the Brisbane Test begins today.

The Australian cricket writer Peter Lalor described the deck as a "Green eyed Gabba monster".

If Australia's bowlers are able to get first use of the pitch, the conditions could not be better for wiry quick Josh Hazlewood to make his Test debut.

A similar style of bowler to Glenn McGrath, Hazlewood's extra bounce and movement off the seam should make life difficult for India's batsmen more accustomed to the low bounce at home.

The Gabba is now considered the fastest pitch in world cricket.

Writing for the Indian Express, Bharat Sundaresan said the Indian players should prepare for a "rude welcome" in a "menacing, intimidating" venue.

"It's here that they soften up their visitors," he wrote.

8.30am — DAWN OF A NEW ERA

Australia's new leader, Steve Smith. Source: Getty Images

AT 25 years of age, a baby-faced Steve Smith will become the third youngest Australian Test captain in history when he leads a new-look side out against India in Brisbane today.

Shaun Marsh replaces injured skipper Michael Clarke in the middle order, while 23-year-old quick Josh Hazlewood makes his Test debut.

Another NSW fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, is also in the side as Peter Siddle was dropped and Ryan Harris left out with a quadriceps injury.

8am — BROTHERS IN ARMS

Brothers Mitch and Shaun Marsh excited ahead of their first Test together. Source: Getty Images

WHEN they walk out together against India today, Shaun and Mitchell Marsh will be the first brothers to play together in the baggy green caps since the Waugh twins last did it in 2002.

"When I played for Australia and coached Australia, my boys were in the dressing room running around and probably being a bit of a menace to people like (Lehmann) and the Waugh brothers," their father and former Test cricketer Geoff Marsh said.

"But then you see them growing up and you start to see they've got some talent."

7.30am — NUMBERS IN SMITH'S FAVOUR

Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood warm up ahead of the Gabba Test. Source: Getty Images

STATISTICS say Steve Smith will relish his debut as Australian captain.

Australia has not suffered a Test defeat in Brisbane since 1988, a year before Smith was born.

And a repeat of the bouncy wicket that helped Mitchell Johnson terrorise England in last season's 381-run first Ashes Test win has been prepared.

Plus India have never won a Test in Brisbane — albeit in just five appearances.

— with AAP

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Frozen director apologises for ‘Let It Go’

Screenwriter and Frozen director Jennifer Lee has apologised to parents for the film's hit song 'Let It Go'. Photo: Robin Marchant. Source: Getty Images

KIDS just can't let Frozen go, and boy, have parents had enough.

The director of the cult Disney film has apologised to Frozen-fatigued parents for the Idina Menzel song 'Let It Go'.

Jennifer Lee, who won an Oscar for the film, says she's watched parents' reactions to the hit song change over the past 12 months.

"A year ago, I'd meet people who, when they found out who I was, they'd say, 'Oh, we love the songs! We sing them all the time.'," she told The Hollywood Reporter Now they're like, 'Yep, we're still listening to those songs,'" laughs Lee. "I've gone from, 'Thank you,' to, 'Sorry!'"

Frozen won the 2013 Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Photo: Jeff Vespa/VF14/WireImage. Source: Getty Images

But she's laughing all the way to the bank. Frozen has become the highest-grossing animated film, raking in $1.55 billion worldwide.

Ms Lee's own daughter, who says she has been bullied at school, has also been inspired by the film's "strong female lead characters".

"I was bullied a lot as a kid, too, so we try to look at the world like Anna and Elsa do — how they question, 'Is who I am OK?' — but always manage to be true to themselves."

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Faces of the Martin Place siege

Tony Abbott addresses the nation in the wake of the Martin Place siege. Courtesy: Sky News

Jarrod Hoffman was put on the phone to the media. Source: Facebook

THE youngest of the hostages has been identified after an ordeal in which the teenager was forced to relay the gunman's demands to the media.

Jarrod Morton Hoffman, a student at the University of Technology in Sydney, delivered messages to the media from Man Haron Monis by telephone during the 17-hour stand-off.

The 19-year-old from Bondi told the Daily Telegraph and radio station 2GB that the self-styled Islamic State leader wanted an IS flag and an audience with Tony Abbott.

He also detailed the gunman's stark threats as he grew aggravated when hostages fled.

"He says an eye for an eye; if someone else runs, someone dies," said Jarrod.

Jarrod Hoffman was the youngest of the Martin Place hostages. Source: Facebook

"I have had a shotgun put at my head and all (he) wants is (the demands met). We are all afraid, I don't think you have ever had a shotgun placed at your head. Yes we do need help, but that will only happen if demands are met. We have been treated very well."

In an alarming end to the call, the teenager's voice became creaky with trepidation, and he added: "He's coming now. Bye."

Jarrod, who attended public school Rose Bay Secondary College, was one of the 17 hostages who managed to escape the Lindt cafe unscathed after dropping in for a morning coffee.

Five escaped yesterday afternoon before another small group fled early this morning, triggering a chain of events which ended in a shootout between the gunman and police.

The two hostages killed have been identified as Katrina Dawson, a 38-year-old mother-of-three, and Tori Johnson, the 34-year-old manager of the Lindt cafe.

Katrina Dawson, mother of three, killed in the Martin Place siege. Source: Supplied

Tori Johnson was a manager at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe. Picture: LinkedIn Source: Supplied

Ms Dawson was a barrister who specialised in commercial, bankruptcy and corporations law, who worked at law firm Eight Selborne.

Her children are aged 8, 5 and 3, and were being told of their mother's tragic death this morning.

It's understood she was having coffee with a pregnant colleague, Julie Taylor, in the cafe when the siege began.

Ms Taylor was taken from the cafe on a stretcher.

The second victim, Mr Johnson, was today remembered as a hero, after he tried to wrest the gun from Monis when he began to doze off.

THE HOSTAGES

● Two of the hostages being held captive were pregnant

● Another was a 75-year-old, who was shot in the shoulder. She is in a stable condition.

Like Jarrod, Selina Win Pe was also forced to speak to the media by telephone.

She told the Daily Telegraph she wanted an email address so they could send through a video.

She became irate as she begged the reporter to "get us the hell out of here, please".

"The Brother has looked after us all, we are all very, very tired," she said. "We've got pregnant ladies in here and sick and elderly and the very, very young staff who deserve to have a decent normal life," she said.

"He is sitting right here. I have you on speaker. I can't compromise myself and my fellow hostages. Get us out of here. Publish the video.

"We have not heard from Tony Abbott. We have been asking him to call us to have a long conversation.

"He clearly doesn't give a s*** because he hasn't called us since 9.45 this morning. We are sick of calling the police negotiators, we are sick of talking to, excuse me, people like yourself who just don't get an understanding of what a dangerous situation we are in, we are not going to walk out of here.

"I hope you get to sleep at night because we are just not going to. Help us. Help us to get Tony Abbott to call this gentleman to send the fricking Islamic State flag and to publish on all media as soon as possible that Australia is under attack by the Islamic State. We have already told everyone on Facebook and Twitter. We just want to get out of here."

The newspaper did not publish the chilling video, at the police's request.

A Sydney siege victim held captive inside the Lindt Cafe calls The Daily Telegraph to make demands on behalf of Man Haron Monis AKA Sheikh Haron.

Marcia Mikhael was forced to send out a chilling video plea detailing the gunman's request yesterday.

Huddled with fellow hostages inside the cafe, she posted a series of messages on Facebook.

"I'm at the Lindt Cafe at Martin Place being held hostage by a member of the ISI. The man who is keeping us hostage has asked for small and simple requests and none have been met," she said.

"He is now threatening to start killing us. We need help right now. The man wants the world to know that Australia is under attack by the Islamic State."

Marcia Mikhael was forced to send out a video plea by the gunman. Source: Supplied

One of the hostages that managed to escape yesterday was Elly Chen, 22, a barista at the Lindt Cafe.

Her terrified face was beamed onto television screens and front pages worldwide as she ran from the cafe with her arms in the air before being taken to safety by police.

Ms Chen was still dressed in her brown Lindt Chocolate Cafe apron when she sprinted towards the officers, the terror clearly evident on her face.

Her sister Nicole Chen was watching the drama unfold and was overjoyed to see she had made it out alive.

"Yesss I finally see you. I'm so glad you're safe!!," she posted online.

Elly Chen runs away from the Lindt cafe yesterday. Source: AAP

The second hostage to leave the Lindt cafe was barrister Stefan Balafoutis who had been having coffee with a colleague.

Mr Balafoutis, in a white shirt, followed out an older man, dressed in a blue jacket, just after 4pm yesterday.

Colleagues at the firm he worked were sent an email confirming he had escaped and was safe, the Daily Telegraph said.

Stefan Balafoutis takes cover behind a police officer seconds after escaping the Lindt cafe. Source: Supplied

Another of the hostages to run to safety was Viswakanth Ankireddy a 32 year-old from India but who now lives in Sydney.

Mr Ankireddy was heading to work at Westpac where he was working on a project. He is employed by multinational tech giant Infosys.

His father told media he only knew his son was safe when he saw him escape on live television.

Westpac CEO Gail Kelly confirmed four employees were caught up in the hostage drama but all four were safe.

The priority for the bank was now to provide them with as much support as possible, she said.

Viswakanth Ankireddy was a contractor at Westpac. Source: Supplied

Mr Ankireddy's colleague at Infosys, Puspendu Ghosh, also escaped the siege unharmed but was being treated for trauma.

His mother Smriti Kana Ghosh told the Times of India that she and her husband Pushpal Ghosh were extremely anxious when they heard their son was being held hostage.

They tried frantically to call him but were informed by Infosys that he was underdoing treatment for trauma.

The company promised to arrange a call as soon as he was well enough.

Mr Ghosh had been making the most of the Sydney lifestyle, going skydiving — which he described as "an amazing experience" — and taking up scuba diving.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj confirmed the safety of both Indians and said they were undergoing medical check-ups.

Puspendu Ghosh, who was traumatised by the siege. Source: Facebook

Sunshine Coast woman Harriette Denny, 30, joined Mr Ankireddy in running from the cafe just before shots were fired inside and police stormed in.

Miss Denny was one of the hostages who were seen pressed against the glass of the Lindt cafe yesterday under orders of the gunman Man Haron Monis.

She worked at the Lindt cafe and has spoken to relieved family members.

Her father Robert Denny posted on Facebook of his relief but said the family would not be celebrating out of respect to those who had been killed.

"Harriette lost a valued friend and work colleague and our hearts go out to his family and the family of the lady who lost her life," her father wrote.

Harriette Denny's family have spoken of their relief. Source: NewsComAu

The Daily Telegraph has identified Fiona Ma as another of the hostages.

The newspaper said Ms Ma remained upbeat after her ordeal, posting on Facebook:
"I'm getting your messages everyone!! Thank you, you beautiful souls," she posted on her Facebook page yesterday afternoon.

"Guys I love each and every one of you."

Fiona Ma was upbeat despite her ordeal. Source: Facebook

Julie Taylor is a barrister and colleague of Katrina Dawson, who was killed during the siege.

There are unconfirmed reports that Ms Dawson died trying to protect a pregnant Ms Taylor.

They both worked at 8 Selborne Chambers.

She specialises in commercial law and was admitted to the NSW Bar in 2007.

Ms Taylor studied at the University of Western Australia and was admitted to practice as a lawyer in 2005.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Digger’s father pities Sydney gunman

Police have identified the gunman at the centre of the Sydney siege as 49-year-old Iranian, Man Haron Monis.

'This shouldn't have happened' ... Marjorie and John Worsley, parents of Private Luke Worsley, holding a photograph of their son in their home in Sydney. Luke was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2007. Source: News Limited

A FATHER who received abusive letters from the Martin Place gunman after the death of his soldier son has a surprising message for the self-styled sheik as another soldiers family call for a review of the system.

One of Monis' early victims, Paul Marks, father of Lance Corporal Jason Marks who was killed while serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Uruzgan Province in 2008, said he pitied the gunman who sent him abusive letters.

"I feel sorry for him, he is so twisted, to live with that hate," Mr Marks said.

SIEGE OVER: Police storm cafe, gunman dead

Killed in action ... The family of Australian soldier, Lance Corporal Jason Marks, received abusive letters from Martin Place gunman Man Haron Monis after his death in Afghanistan. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

The mother of another Australian Digger killed in Afghanistan who also received vile and abusive letters from the fanatical gunman, Man Haron Monis, said the hostage tragedy should never have happened and the granting of bail to violent criminals must now be reviewed.

THE GUNMAN: Who is Man Haron Monis

Marjorie Worsley, whose son Private Luke Worsley was killed while also serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan in 2007, has expressed her deep sympathies to the families of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, who died in the early hours of this morning after a violent 16-hour siege.

Fallen Digger ... Private Luke Worsley's family also received abusive letters from Man Haron Monis after his death in Afghanistan. Picture: Supplied. Source: News Limited

Paying respect ... A floral tribute is being laid at Martin Place today after the siege, which ended in bloody gunfire overnight. Picture: Getty images Source: Getty Images

The Worsley family, like the Marks, are earlier victims of the self-styled loner sheik, who was convicted in 2013 of sending abusive and menacing letters to the families of seven fallen Australian soldiers and the family of Australian Trade Official Craig Senger who was killed in the Jakarta terror bombing.

RESCUED: Weeping hostages freed in raid

GLOBAL HORROR: World on alert after siege

"It is a tragedy for these families that don't have their mother coming home, their son, or their daughter," Ms Worsley told News Corp Australia from her Sydney home.

"It shouldn't have happened."

Ms Worsley said her family lived in fear after they were harassed by Monis, who sent cruel, abusive and ideologically-motivated letters to their home address.

"It really does make you worry, and you worry for your family's safety when people know where you live and are able to send menacing letters, and have your phone number and call," she said.

Questions are being asked ... Why was gunman Man Haron Monis, an Iranian-born, self-styled Muslim cleric, on bail for violent crimes. Picture: News Corp Australia Source: News Limited

Like many, Ms Worsley said serious questions needed to be asked about how someone like Monis was free on bail when he stormed the Lindt cafe in Sydney's Martin Place.

"Why are they out walking around? There is something wrong with our court system, the police catch them and do their job, but the courts …" she said.

"I think the bail needs to be reviewed."

Ms Worsley said the tragedy in Martin Place and the death of two Australians who had simply been going about their everyday life, had now brought back her own family's pain.

"It's been very stressful, it brings it all back, the family are concerned," she said.

Mr Marks also said it was a difficult day for his family, and his thoughts were with the Dawson and Johnson families.

"They have all my sympathy and empathy, it's a terrible thing to go through and our thoughts are with them," he said.

"Every time an Australian soldier was killed after Jason it was like a scab coming off an old wound, and this is like that as well, we are taking it very quietly today, not leaving the home."

Partner in crime ... The gunman's girlfriend, Amirzh Droudis, was also accused of sending the offensive letters. Source: News Corp Australia

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘It is a day that has tested us’

'Business as usual' ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott Source: Supplied

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has spoken again about the Sydney hostage drama, describing it as "a difficult day".

"Yes it is a day that has tested us, (but) we have risen to the challenge," he said.

Mr Abbott said he had also received messages of support from other world leaders during the day.

MORE BREAK FREE: Hostages escape cafe siege in Sydney

SYDNEY SIEGE: What we know, what we don't

In an earlier press conference, Mr Abbott said it was not yet "known whether this is politically motivated" but admitted it looks to be.

"The whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people out of being themselves," he said. "Australia is a peaceful, open, and generous society. Nothing should ever change that.

"And that's why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual.

PM Tony Abbott says motivations are unknown, but there are indications that the Sydney siege could be politically motivated.

"There are people who would wish to do us harm.

"I can understand the concerns and anxieties of the Australian people at a time like this but our thoughts and prayers must above all go out to the individuals who are caught up in this.

"I can think of almost nothing more distressing, more terrifying than to be caught up in such a situation and our hearts go out to these people."

He encouraged Australians to report any suspicious behaviour — but to still go about their days.

"I would urge all Australians to go about their business as usual," he said.

"This is a very disturbing incident."

Opposition leader Bill Shorten says Australians are shocked but will not be shaken by the dramatic hostage situation in a Sydney cafe.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten described today is an "an incredibly difficult day for Sydney and Australia".

"Australians are shocked but we won't be shaken," Mr Shorten said from Melbourne.

"We face moments like this with resolute spirit.

"At times like this, it's more critical than ever that the Australian community be solid, stick together, be united."

Mr Shorten said he spoke to the Prime Minister about 11am.

"I reiterate the Opposition's complete support for the Government at this most difficult time and, again, I commend our law enforcement agencies for the work they are doing."

The government's National Security Committee of Cabinet met for briefings on the siege earlier this morning.

In a statement, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he has also spoken with NSW Premier Mike Baird and "offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance".

City on lockdown ... A police officer with gun drawn in the Sydney CBD. Source: News Corp Australia

"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," the Prime Minister said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said his thoughts and prayers are with the "innocent people" caught up in the Martin Place incident.

Heart of the city ... The Lindt Cafe is in the centre of Sydney's busy financial district. Source: News Corp Australia

"Our thoughts are also with their families who are seeing this incredibly distressing situation unfold, along with the rest of Australia," the Opposition Leader added in a statement.

"I have full confidence in the skill and professionalism of our police and security agencies.

"I have spoken to Prime Minister Tony Abbott this morning and offered him the Opposition's full support at this time.

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

Terror beamed across the world ... This Islamic flag was held up against the cafe window by a hostage as Seven's The Morning Show was broadcast across the road. Source: Supplied

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hostages flee Sydney city siege

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

• As many as 30 people being held hostage at Lindt cafe
• Police say at least one gunman involved
• Incident not being treated as terrorism yet
• Motivation of gunman unknown - but police have finally spoken directly with him
• PM Tony Abbott urges calm: "The whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people."

HOSTAGES have emerged from the Lindt Cafe in central Sydney where they have been held by a gunman since just before 10am this morning.

Five people have now left the cafe which has been at the centre of a hostage crisis that has paralysed central Sydney and shocked Australia.

Their escape comes after NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn confirmed hostage negotiators were now speaking directly with the gunman.

"Police negotiators have had contact and will continue to have contact," she said.

Two female Lindt employees ran from the building just before 5pm. Three other hostages, all men, ran from the cafe earlier this afternoon and are now speaking with police.

It was not immediately clear if any of the hostages were released or if they had escaped.

Hostages inside the café have spoken to media outlets. Two hostages have spoken to Sydney radio station 2GB while Ten News is reporting that they have also spoken to two hostages.

At the request of police news.com.au will not reveal details of these conversations.

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

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 buiding 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.

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 NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said: "That sort of number does not equate to what we are assuming."

At least one offender took hostages at the popular Lindt chocolate cafe, in Martin Place, just before 10am.

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.

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.

Deputy Commissioner Burn said police had spoken with the gunman for the first time since the siege began.

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

Her information was that the remaining hostages hadn't been harmed.

She said the gunman's motivations were not known and it wouldn't be helpful to "speculate".

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 earlier 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 has met for briefings on the situation this morning.

At a press conference this morning Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the government did not know whether the hostage situation was politically motivated.

"We don't yet know the motivation of perpetrator, we don't know whether it's politically motivated although there are indications it could be," he said.

"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."

Mr Abbott urged all Australians to go about their business as usual but 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 tonights 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 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

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More