A total of five hostages, three men and two women, have escaped from the café at Matin Place where dozens of people were being held by a gunman in Sydney's central business district on Monday.

A police officer in New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has confirmed that three people have fled from the Lindt café six hours after the incident began.

Another two were seen emerging from the site about one hour later.

The authorities said that they have interviewed the first three people and learned that less than 30 hostages were involved in the incident.

Negotiators had been in contact with the gunman, but refused to speculate on his possible motivation.

For now, the police still choose not to use the word "terrorism."

Hostages were seen holding up a flag bearing Arabic writing against the window of the shop.

New South Wales police commissioner Andrew Scipione has vowed to bring the incident to a peaceful resolution.

Heavily armed NSW Police and emergency services have responded to calls and a number of streets around the area have been closed. The Martin Place train station is also shut.

According to Commissioner Scipione, the police are very contained and have tight controls and restrictions around the area.

Some nearby offices have been evacuated as a precaution. Police have urged members of the public to remain calm and note that an appropriate police presence is in place.

The media have also been requested to report the incident responsibly to avoid unnecessary speculation.

(China.org)