Скачать или смотреть Sidney Siege Police Storm Cafe Where Man Haron Monis Held Hostages

Gunfire erupted as police stormed a chocolate shop where a self-professed sheik was holding hostages in Sydney early Tuesday. Some of the hostages who were released were treated on the scene in ambulances and some were transported to local hospitals, according to New South Wales officials.

An intelligence source named the gunman as Man Haron Monis, who is also known as Sheikh Haron. He appeared to be making demands to negotiators through Facebook, YouTube and local news media.

Monis has been convicted of penning offensive letters to the families of Australian soldiers slain during the war in Afghanistan. A black flag used by Islamist groups in the Middle East had been shown in the window of the Lindt cafe.

Just after 10 a.m. ET, at least five more hostages escaped, dashing from the scene with their hands in the air. Moments later, the cafe was raided.

Police operation at a café in central Sydney, Australia is over after the gunman Man Manis held some 40 hostages for over 16 hours.At least 5 have been injured including a policeman.

7News told three people have died after the siege - two hostages and gunman. Unconfirmed