Police have now confirmed that the Sydney siege is over after Australian security forces stormed the Sydney cafe where several hostages were being held at gunpoint for more than 16 hours.
Australian state broadcaster ABC reported that two people were dead and three were in serious condition. Seven people had been taken out of the Sydney cafe on stretchers, and five of them appeared to be receiving treatment immediately, the broadcaster reported.
The fate of the gunman, identified by an official with direct knowledge of the situation as Man Haron Monis, was unknown. It was also unknown if any police were injured.
