Sydney siege live: Video shows the moment heavily armed police officers enter building
Footage was first aired on Australian TV
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shocking video shows the moment heavily armed police officers stormed the café held by a suspected Islamic extremist for the last 16 hours in Sydney, Australia.
Unverified footage, first aired on Australian TV, shows a number of officers moving into the building amid crackling gunfire and at least five loud explosions.
As officers open fire more hostages can be seen fleeing from the Lindt’s store, on Martin Place in the central business district of the city. It remains unclear whether they escaped or were freed during the gunfire battle.
CNN has reported that two people have lost their lives but Australian police are not able at this time to confirm this information but they have confirmed that the siege has ended.
The footage also shows a bomb disposal expert on the scene and later reports have shown a bomb disposal robot entering the building.
The status of the hostage taker, believed to be an individual known as Man Haron Monis, remain unknown.
Officers motioned the cameras back as the armed response unit appeared to enter the building.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments