SUNRISE host Natalie Barr has broken down on Channel 7 this morning as she crossed live from the harrowing Martin Place crime scene.

The mother-of-two was reduced to tears when she revealed the name of hostage Katrina Dawson - a mother of three, aged 38 - who was killed during the 17-hour Sydney siege.

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“I’m just finding out Katrina Dawson was the sister of a prominent barrister Sandy Dawson who has done some work at Channel Seven,” she said.

“Sandy Dawson, who I know and I have friends who know. A mother of three children. I’m just finding this out this morning.

“When you put the faces to the people who have died overnight, it’s just heartbreaking.

media_camera An emotional Natalie Barr live on Sunrise.

media_camera An emotional Natalie Barr live on Sunrise.

“It’s a very sad, heavy-hearted city this morning.”

Ms Dawson, a barrister and mother of three children, aged eight, five and three, entered the Lindt Cafe yesterday morning to grab a coffee, reportedly part of her daily routine.

She and a colleague from their law firm Eight Selborne, who is believed to be midway through her pregnancy, were held hostage inside the cafe for 17 hours.

Barr came off air for a few minutes to compose herself.

She is standing in for Samantha Armytage this morning. Barr is crossing live from the scene with David Koch, which is located outside of the Channel 7 studios.

My thoughts go out to the hostages and their families, and to the police and emergency services personnel . #lovesydney #illridewithyou — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 15, 2014

The area is a ghost town as the shaken up community have united in grief, laying flowers at the tragic iconic Sydney spot.

Celebrities have also united together on social media with the hashtag illridewithyou and quotes from influential people including Martin Lurther King Jnr.

CelebCon: Prayers for Sydney media_camera Russell Crowe: “My thoughts go out to the hostages and their families, and to the police and emergency services personnel . #lovesydney #illridewithyou” Picture: Getty 1 of 17 media_camera Nicole Trufino: “#prayforsydney I’m about to go to sleep over here in the USA but I cannot due to this tragic event taking place in my home country. When will people realize “we are all the same” Religion aside. As Beyoncé said “I’m a humanist” We should treat one another with love and compassion. #humanism #worldpeace” Picture: Getty 2 of 17 media_camera Harry Styles: “Thinking of everyone involved in Sydney. Hope everyone gets out safely. Send love” Picture: Getty 3 of 17 media_camera Shanina Shaik: “#Prayersandlove#sydney” Picture: Getty 4 of 17 nav_small_close Want to see more?( 13 more photos in collection )Continue to full gallery nav_small_left nav_small_right

“#prayforsydney I’m about to go to sleep over here in the USA but I cannot due to this tragic event taking place in my home country,” model Nicole Trunfio wrote.

Sending love Sydney. Stay patient..need everybody safe & a peaceful resolution . #illridewithyou — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 15, 2014

“When will people realise “we are all the same” Religion aside. As Beyoncé said “I’m a humanist” We should treat one another with love and compassion. #humanism #worldpeace.”

Russell Crowe also offered his sympathies to the victims of the horrific incident.

“My thoughts go out to the hostages and their families, and to the police and emergency services personnel . #lovesydney #illridewithyou,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Sending love Sydney. Stay patient..need everybody safe & a peaceful resolution . #illridewithyou.”

THE TOUCHING TRUBUTES FROM AUSSIE CELEBRITIES

media_camera Johnny Ruffo

media_camera Zanita Whittington

media_camera Phoebe Tonkin

media_camera Natalie Imbruglia

media_camera Natalie Imbruglia

media_camera Sophie Monk

media_camera Therese Kerr

media_camera Demi Im

media_camera Jennifer Hawkins

media_camera Sally Obermeder

media_camera Hugh Sheridan

media_camera Tanja G

media_camera Teri Haddy

media_camera Laura Csortan

media_camera Nicole Trunfio

media_camera Jules Sebastian

media_camera Sophie Falkiner

media_camera Demi Im

media_camera Cheyenne Tozzi

media_camera Dan Ewing

media_camera Julia Morris