One Direction star Harry Styles is among the stars sending love and prayers – and hoping for a peaceful end to the hostage situation in Sydney.
On Monday news broke of an armed man holding a group of people at a café in Martin Place, in the city's centre, 15 remaining after five managed to escape at around 3.45pm local time. Harry tweeted to his 22.9 million followers.: "Thinking of everyone involved in Sydney. Hope everyone gets out safely. Send love."
© Photo: Getty ImagesHarry, pictured at the Aria awards in Melbourne, asked his followers to "send love" for a peaceful end to the hostage situation in Sydney
The British musician was joined by several Australian stars sharing their concern on social media, including Shane Warne. Elizabeth Hurley's former love posted to his more than 1.8 million fans: "Just heard what's happening in Sydney, Please be safe up there, wish these terrible things would never happen, thinking of you all."
The cricketer, who hails from the Upper Ferntree Gully suburb of Melbourne, also posted an instagram picture of the words "Pray for Sydney."
© Photo: Getty ImagesAustralian cricketer Shane Warne was also calling for peace on social media
The hashtag of these three words was trending on Twitter on Monday, with celebrities including Delta Goodrem using it. The singer said she was "praying with all my heart and soul that everyone stays safe". The sydney-born singer also posted a picture of the word "peace" to Instagram. Darwin-born singer Jessica Mauboy also urged her followers on Istagram to pray for the those caught up in the drama.
"This is super crazy! #prayers going out to the people in this situation right now and to all the families that are connected! #MartinPlace #Sydney #LindtChocolateCafe,' wrote the former Australian Idol contestant. Australian model Nicole Trunfio - who now resides in New York - was equally affected. "#prayforsydney I'm about to go to sleep over here in the USA but I cannot due to this tragic event taking place in my home country," she wrote. "As Beyoncé said 'I'm a humanist' We should treat one another with love and compassion. #humanism #worldpeace."
