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Sydney siege



Sydney cafe siege: a timeline of events









Three people dead after 16-hour siege at Lindt cafe in city’s Martin Place


Aftermath of Sydney siege – live coverage














Police were called to Lindt Chocolat cafe in Sydney’s Martin Place, a busy plaza in the heart of the city. Photograph: i-Images/Media Mode



Associated Press


Monday 15 December 2014 11.59 EST







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Three people have died after a gunman entered a Sydney cafe during Monday morning’s rush hour and took staff and customers hostage. The siege lasted 16 hours, and ended when commandos entered the building housing the Lindt cafe shortly after a series of loud bangs were heard. Police later said three people died, including the gunman.
9.45am local time (10.45pm GMT) 
Police are called to Lindt Chocolat cafe in Sydney’s Martin Place, a busy plaza in the heart of the city. Initial reports suggesting it could be an armed robbery are soon ruled out.
10.10am
Australian television stations broadcast images of hostages inside the cafe with their arms in the air and hands pressed against the window. Shortly after, two hostages appear at the window holding a black flag with white Arabic script.
10.30am
Armed police line up outside the shop. Nearby buildings are evacuated.
12.30pm 
Prime minister, Tony Abbott, goes on national television and pledges that the police response will be thorough for what he calls “a deeply concerning incident”.
About 4pm
Three men escape from the cafe’s fire exit and run towards police. One is wearing a Lindt cafe apron and appears to be an employee.
About 5pm
Two women sprint from the same side door and run into the arms of police. Both are wearing Lindt aprons.
6pm
Abbott says the gunman has claimed “political motivation”, but makes no reference to any concerns of a terror plot.
6.30pm
Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn says police are conducting a “sensitive negotiation” that requires discretion. She declines to say if direct contact has been made with the gunman, or specify the number of hostages held or any operational tactics.
8.15pm
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says the priority of police is getting everyone out safely. He declines to speculate on the gunman’s motives or possible terror link.
9pm
Lights inside the cafe are switched off. Police outside put on night googles.
1.11am (Tuesday morning)
Police name alleged hostage-taker as Man Haron Monis, also known as Sheikh Haron. He is an Iranian-born cleric who was granted asylum in Australia.
2.20am
Commandos storm the cafe shortly after a series of loud bangs are heard and more hostages flee. Several bursts of gunfire are heard, and people are seen being carried from the building, apparently injured.
2.35am
New South Wales police say the siege is over.
5.48am
Police confirm three people are dead: two hostages – a 34-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman – and the hostage-taker.



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more on this story














Sydney siege: Australian PM Tony Abbott warns of rise in 'terrorist chatter' - video

Australian prime minister Tony Abbott warns of a rise in 'terrorist chatter' in the aftermath of the cafe siege in Sydney



Published: 23 Dec 2014




Sydney siege: Australian PM Tony Abbott warns of rise in 'terrorist chatter' - video












Sydney siege victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson mourned at memorial services

Survivors of Martin Place Lindt cafe siege join victims’ families and NSW premier, governor and police commissioner at memorial services



Published: 22 Dec 2014




Sydney siege victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson mourned at memorial services












Sydney siege floral tributes to be removed before wet weather hits city

Flowers will be mulched and used in a memorial to be established in consultation with the families of the victims of the Lindt cafe attack in Martin Place



Published: 22 Dec 2014




Sydney siege floral tributes to be removed before wet weather hits city












Sydney siege: videos show gunman's wife a risk to public, say prosecutors

Amirah Droudis faces a bid to revoke her bail pending her trial over the killing of Man Haron Monis’s former wife



Published: 21 Dec 2014




Sydney siege: videos show gunman's wife a risk to public, say prosecutors














Partner of Sydney siege gunman arrives at court - video




Published: 22 Dec 2014




Partner of Sydney siege gunman arrives at court - video








Siege survivor Julie Taylor tells of heartbreak over loss of Katrina Dawson




Published: 18 Dec 2014




Siege survivor Julie Taylor tells of heartbreak over loss of Katrina Dawson








Man Haron Monis lawyers and judges receive death threats and other abuse




Published: 18 Dec 2014




Man Haron Monis lawyers and judges receive death threats and other abuse








On guns, David Leyonhjelm is neither a champion nor a villain. He's a libertarian

Eleanor Robertson




Published: 18 Dec 2014







On guns, David Leyonhjelm is neither a champion nor a villain. He's a libertarian
















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