New South Wales police and the state's premier Mike Baird and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione have been holding a news conference on the hostage drama in central Sydney, which came to an end in the last few hours.
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7.56am
New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione:
"It's not time to speculate or to develop theories. We are going to work through facts and we will advise you as soon as we can.
While everyone might now second guess as to what has actually occurred in the last hours, well, they (the police) are the ones who had to make the decision.
Our police had to deal with this incident. It was tough, exacting work. Many hours, whether they were on a point or whether they were part of a team that had to make that entry and deal with this situation.
We also have a lone gunman who has been shot and killed and we have a male police officer who has been injured as a result of gunshot wound to the face.
I have talked to that officer and he is in good condition."
7.50am
New South Wales state premier Mike Baird:
"In the past 24 hours this city has been shaken...in a tragedy none of us could have imagined.
The values we hold dear...freedom, have been threatened.
But they will define us today...and tomorrow.
Our first thoughts and prayers this morning are with the innocent victims of this horrendous, vicious attack...everyone in New South Wales stands beside you. Today, tomorrow, forever.
I want to pay tribute to the men and women of the NSW police who saved many, many lives over the past 24 hours..
We are a peaceful, harmonious society, which is the envy of the world.
What I say to everyone...today we must come together like never before. We will get through this, we will get through this.
The events we have seen have shaken us, but they do not dampen our resolve."
NSW Premier Mike Baird. Photo: AAP
