Sydney siege victims identified

Sydney: The two people killed in a 16-hour hostage crisis in a cafe in the heart of Sydney have been identified, a media report said.

The victims are Lindt Chocolat Cafe manager, Tori Johnson, 34 and barrister, Katrina Dawson, 38, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

"He was a dedicated professional who always built a great rapport with his customers and was much loved by the Lindt team," Lindt Australia chief executive Steve Loane said about Johnson.

"By nature he was a perfectionist and he had a genuine passion for the hospitality industry and people," he added.

Jane Needham, president of the New South Wales Bar Association, released a statement, saying it was "with a heavy heart and deep sorrow" that she informed members of the bar that Dawson was killed.

"Katrina was one of our best and brightest barristers who will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends at the NSW Bar."

"She was a devoted mother of three children, and a valued member of her floor and of our bar community," the president added.

Iran-born Man Haron Monis, 50, was shot dead after police stormed the cafe.