Sydney CBD open for business

Sydney CBD open for business

Tuesday, 16 December 2014 08:54:42 PM

NSW Police are urging members of the public to conduct business as usual tomorrow, with the exclusion zones expected to be reduced, and all roads open by 10am (Wednesday 17 December 2014).

This afternoon traffic restrictions on a number of streets in the Sydney CBD were lifted, leaving minor traffic disruptions to Philip Street.

Police will continue to maintain a crime scene perimeter around the cafe at the corner of Martin Place and Philip Street, however this will not impede on any other business.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Fuller, Central Metropolitan Region Commander, urges all Sydneysiders to go about their daily activities as usual tomorrow.

“Tomorrow we are expecting the Sydney CBD to be back open for business and I encourage each and every member of the public to go back to their usual day-to-day activities,” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

“Martin Place will be open and we will ensure there is a strong police presence to maintain public confidence.

“Police again thank all members of the community for their patience as we continue to conduct investigations.

“NSW Police officers continue to carefully undertake crime scene analysis at the café, and that will continue tomorrow. Further information will be issued on access to Philip Street for the public early tomorrow morning,” he said.

Train services will operate normally, although Martin Place remains closed till 10am tomorrow, when normal services are expected to resume.

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EARLIER:

Martin Place Siege Update - Operation Hammerhead announced

Tuesday, 16 December 2014 06:59:08 PM

Senior NSW Police have re-activated a Sydney-wide, high visibility operation named Operation Hammerhead following the siege incident in Martin Place.

The operation which commences tonight and will be conducted 24 hours a day over the next three weeks.

Operation Hammerhead is a three week operation focussing on high-visibility policing, increased presence in public places and public transport hubs.

Central Metropolitan Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller said a major part of operation’s strategy will focus on maintaining strong community engagement.

“Operation Hammerhead will focus on metropolitan Sydney and primarily involve general duties police. If need be, those officers will be used wherever our operational intelligence dictates.

“General duties police, as well as specialist commands, will be deployed from the Police Operation Centre which will remain open 24/7 during the operation.”

“Operation Hammerhead will also patrol iconic locations such as the Harbour and its surrounding foreshores as well as sporting fixtures and other large scale public events,” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

“Our aim is to provide and maintain high levels of public safety to ensure all NSW residents are safe and during these testing times they feel safe. ” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

“We will use a range of officers and squads during the operation that are available at all times of the day and night.

‘These include but not limited to General Duties, Police Transport Command, the Dog Squad, Operational Support Group officers, Public Order and Riot Squad Officers, Traffic and Highway Patrol, and Mounted Units.”

“We want the community of Sydney and for that matter NSW, to go about their day to day business with confidence and comfort in the knowledge they are safe.”

“NSW, and for that matter, Australia is a safe place, and we want everyone who works, lives or visit NSW to feel safe,” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Road Closures lifted in Elizabeth and Macquarie Sts - Martin Place remains closed

Tuesday, 16 December 2014 06:54:59 PM

Police this afternoon have lifted the traffic restrictions on a number of streets in the Sydney CBD.

Police will continue to maintain a crime scene perimeter around the cafe at the corner of Martin Place and Philip streets this morning.

Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn, Commander of Specialist Operations said it was always the aim to lift the road closures as soon as possible.

“Elizabeth St, Macquarie St and Hunter St are now open to traffic, while sections of Martin Place, Phillip St and King St will remain closed whilst investigations are carried out.”

“We know the community of Sydney have been patient with the disruption to traffic arrangements and we appreciate that.”

“NSW Police continue to carefully undertake this work and thank the community for their understanding and support. We will issue further information on access for the public as soon as possible."

Train services will operate normally although Martin Place station remains closed.

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