Sydney  - A 41-year-old man surrendered to police Wednesday after holding five hostages at gunpoint during a siege at a small Australian settlement that lasted more than 12 hours, news reports said.

An 8-year-old boy was the last hostage freed following a standoff during which shots were fired at police, witnesses told ABC Radio.

The boy was reported to be unharmed during his ordeal near Kempsey, New South Wales.

The drama began just after 5:30 am when police chased a motorist who fled into a family home.

Four hostages were released during the morning but the gunman held the boy until giving himself up just after 6 pm. (dpa)