Sydney - Xinhua
A police operation was underway Tuesday after a man reportedly took a child hostage at a law firm in Sydney, with the surrounding area being evacuated.
There were unconfirmed reports that the man had a bomb, although police would not comment.
"At this stage it is not known what caused the man to attend the building or what he is in possession of," a police statement said, adding that roads in the area had been closed.
A police spokesman added that negotiators were at the scene, which is near the city's Family Court precinct.