The country's highest Islamic office holder has condemned the actions of a gunman responsible for a hostage situation in Sydney's CBD.
Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohamed says he and the Australian National Imams Councils (ANIC) are devastated by the situation, which is unfolding in Martin Place.
"The Grand Mufti and the Australian National Imam Council condemn this criminal act unequivocally and reiterate that such actions are denounced in part and in whole in Islam," Professor Mohamed said in a statement.
"We along (with) the wide(r) Australian society await the results of the investigation about the identity of the perpetrators and their underlying motivations behind the criminal act."
Up to 50 people have been held hostage at the Lindt chocolate cafe since just before 10am, with the heart of Sydney's business district now locked down.
An Islamic flag, known as the Shahada, was seen in one of the windows at the cafe.
