Dailymail reports that, Police fired automatic weapons and lobbed stun grenades before storming the Lindt cafe in Martin Place in the heart of the city's central business district.
Live television coverage showed at least two people being taken away from the scene on stretchers. One hostage was seen being carried out of the building. She appeared to be in pain, and blood flowed down her legs.
The gunfight lasted less than two minutes, and more hostages appeared to emerge after the police raid.
As the scene calmed down, a bomb disposal robot was seen entering the cafe.
The dramatic end to the siege came as the gunman holding the remaining captives was revealed as a self-proclaimed Islamic cleric Man Haron Monis.Iranian refugee, 49, was charged with accessory in the murder of his ex-wife
He was also facing multiple charges of sexual assault while claiming to be a 'spiritual healer'
The drama began unfolding around 9,30 am, when a gunman entered the cafe, located in one of busiest plazas in Sydney's central business district, and pulled a shotgun from a blue carry bag and disabled the doors to the business.
credit: dailymail