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TORONTO - Police stormed a Sydney cafe where a gunman had been holding an unknown number of people hostage, ending a more than 16 hour standoff.
Several hostages were seen fleeing the cafe before a police tactical unit deployed flash bangs and entered the building.
Television footage showed at least one person being rushed to an awaiting ambulance on a stretcher. Officers were also seen carrying a woman from the building. WATCH: Gunfire erupts as swat moves in on hostage situation in Australia
Local media reported at least two people were killed during the standoff. It is unclear whether the gunman is among the dead.
Sydney siege is over. More details to follow.
- NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014
The suspect has been identified as a 50-year-old Iranian resident of Sydney by several media outlets. Reports suggest the man has a criminal past, including having been charged with accessory to the murder of his ex-wife and a separate sexual assault conviction. He also reportedly has a record of sending hate letters to families of Australian soldiers killed overseas.
WATCH: Hostage removed after gunfire in Australia READ MORE: Who is suspected Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis?
More to come...
© Shaw Media, 2014
Post By http://globalnews.ca/news/1727132/sydney-siege-over-after-police-storm-cafe/
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