Hostage drama: Lindt Cafe boss, worker wait for news as hostage crisis continues

Bruno (right) had just arrived for work at the Lindt Cafe when he was stopped by police. Photo / Supplied / news.com.au

This is the face of fear. Not a cowering fear in the face of IS thugs, but a genuine fear for the wellbeing of his colleagues at Sydney's Lindt cafe, which is currently under siege on one of the busiest Christmas shopping days of the year.

Bruno was turning up for his shift as a barista and waiter when he was ushered away at the door by police. He is desperately worried about his workmates and the customers and is visibly shaken.

Lindt Australia CEO Steve Loane, sweating profusely after dashing to the scene, said he knew no more about the situation than that which has already been reported.

"All we've heard is there's an ISIS flag. That's all we've heard," he said.

Lindt has three cafes in the Sydney CBD, but Mr Loane said there was no suggestion whatsoever that the actions of the alleged gunman are targeted directly against his company.

"I'm just scared for them. I'm hoping they're going to be OK," Mr Loane said.

"The best information is that there's like 40 or 50 people in there, customers and employees included. That's a rough figure."

The siege began at around 10:00 this morning, which Mr Loane described as the peak morning period.

Streets are blocked off for several blocks around the cafe. Mr Loane is unable to get closer than passers-by and onlookers for now.

- news.com.au