Police shot dead in a rescue

The unnamed male officer was involved in a raid on Muslim cleric Man Haron Monis, who was holding 17 people hostage at gunpoint in a Lindt cafe in the Australian city today.

Authorities confirmed he survived the horrifying ordeal and that he was on the mend.

Andrew Scipione, Police Commissioner for New South Wales Police, said the officer is in a "good condition" in hospital, adding: "He will be assessed and remain in hospital for some time.

"He is well and grateful to be alive, let me assure you."

The 16-hour hostage situation was finally brought to an end after officers stormed the building.

Loud gunshots and explosions were heard outside before coming to a cease 20 minutes later.

Mr Scipione confirmed three people had died in the ordeal.

One had been gunman Monis, while the other two were both hostages.

The captives, a man, aged 34, and a woman, aged 38, died as they were being taken to hospital.

Mr Scipione added: "This was an isolated incident, it is an isolated incident. Do not let this sort of incident bring about any loss of confidence about working or visiting in our city.

"It was the act of an individual. This should never change or destroy the way of our life.

"This won't change our lives, this will not change the things we hold dear in this country."

Police were called to the specialist cafe at around 9.30am (local time) when Monis entered with a pump-action shotgun.

Throughout the 16-hour hell, hostages were said to have been forced to hold their arms in the air for two hours at a time.

Yet as armed forced waited outside, a number of openings presented themselves with as many as 10 of the 17 hostages being able to escape.

Shortly after five captives ran out together, armed response decided to move in.