Ongoing siege in Newcastle apartment with armed man

A tense situation is unfolding in a residential apartment block in Newcastle, Australia. Emergency services responded to reports of a siege at around 10 am today on Woodbine Street in Mayfield. Residents reported hearing gunfire coming from one of the units. Authorities believe a man inside the unit is armed and has barricaded himself in. NSW Police have deployed specialized units, including the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command. They are currently on the scene, along with ambulance and fire crews. All residents of the 22-unit apartment block have been evacuated for their safety. Police are advising the public to avoid the area as the situation develops, and they will release more information as it becomes available.