Sydney siege: Killed hostages identified as lawyer Katrina Dawson and Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson

Updated

Two hostages killed after a 16-hour siege in Sydney have been identified as the manager of the Lindt cafe, 34-year-old Tori Johnson, and 38-year-old barrister Katrina Dawson.

It is not clear whether they were shot by the gunman or killed in the crossfire when heavily-armed officers stormed the building in Martin Place in the early hours of Tuesday.

Self-styled Iranian cleric Man Haron Monis was also killed after taking 17 people hostage at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe on Monday morning.

Mr Johnson had been employed at the cafe since October 2012 and had worked at a string of other restaurants and hospitality companies around Sydney.

Sources have told the ABC that Mr Johnson was trying to wrestle the weapon away from the gunman when he was killed, but authorities have not confirmed whether this was the case.

Mr Johnson's family said in a statement they would carry his memory with them and passed on their condolences to Ms Dawson's family.

"We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this Earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for," the statement said.

"We feel heartfelt sorrow for the family of Katrina Dawson."

They also thanked emergency services for their efforts during the siege and the public for their messages of support.

"We'd like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney; Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers," they said.

"Our deepest gratitude to the NSW Police, Armed Forces and paramedics for their tireless efforts."

Johnson 'put his staff first in everything he did'

Mr Johnson's former colleague Tony Manno, who worked with him at Sydney's Adria Rybar & Grill for a number of years, said he was shattered to hear the news Tuesday morning.

"Tori was a great guy, a good guy to be around," he said. "He got on really well with all the staff."

Friend and colleague Peter Manettas also worked with Mr Johnson at Adria for more than six years.

He said Mr Johnson was highly respected and loved by his colleagues.

"He was a very selfless manager. He accomplished a lot with the group in the time that he was with us, and he always gave the credit back to the staff," he said.

"He put his staff first in everything that he did. He was very humble in his achievements but he was extremely ambitious in what he wanted to achieve."

Lindt Australia chief executive Steve Loane said he was still coming to grips with the tragedy.

"We didn't open our normal businesses [on Tuesday], but we did offer counselling for the cafe team especially," he said.

"They are quite a young team so they wanted to be in the one spot so we had them together and I spent some time with them and spoke to them."

He said understandably the staff were struggling to cope with what had unfolded with their colleagues.

"Sadness, just the most profound, deep sadness I've seen. Obviously just a lot of very close relationships with Tori and certainly the saddest day I've ever had in 17 years at Lindt," he said.

'One of our best and brightest barristers'

Ms Dawson worked as a barrister at Selbourne Chambers in the CBD and had three young children.

Ms Dawson was married to Paul Smith, a partner at Mallesons, whom she met while completing her clerkship at the firm.

She studied law at Sydney University, where she lived at the women's college as a student.

She topped the state in her high school certificate in 1994 with a TER of 100 and also topped her bar exams.

The NSW Bar Association said Ms Dawson had been held hostage with two other barristers.

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

"She was a devoted mother-of-three children and a valued member of her floor and of our bar community.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this time including her brother Sandy Dawson of Banco Chambers."

Dawson 'stood out as happy, friendly person'

A statement was issued by Ms Dawson's workplace, 8 Selborne Chambers.

It read: "8 Selborne Chambers is devastated by the loss of our beloved floor member, Katrina Dawson."

"Katrina was on her way to becoming one of the leading barristers at the bar.

"She was also a dear friend to all of us and will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends.

"We also send our condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event. We thank all those who have sent messages of support."

Belinda Berryman, a school friend of Ms Dawson, told 702 ABC Sydney she is thinking of Ms Dawson's family and wanted to honour her memory.

"She really stood out as a very warm, happy, friendly person, she was someone you thought would always do well in the world," she said.

"It's shocking anyway but it's just so hard to comprehend that it was someone you knew - it really brings it home.

"We always say people are amazing but Katrina, she was a really, really sweet girl.

"I just wanted to honour her memory to say that we're thinking of them (Ms Dawson's family) and I'll always think of her and her family on this day every year."

Ascham School, which Ms Dawson attended and where one of her daughters is a pupil, issued a statement describing Ms Dawson as a well-respected and giving member of the school community.

The statement said Ms Dawson attended Ascham between 1981 and 1994 and had a stellar school career.

"Katrina's daughter Chloe is an Ascham student and her younger daughter Sasha starts with us next year," the statement said.

Ascham's Head of School Andrew Powell said Ms Dawson was dux of Ascham School and a prefect.

"I knew Katrina well," he said.

Our hearts go out to Katrina's entire family... We have been greatly shocked and saddened by this tragic news and will do everything possible to support the family at this terrible time. Ascham's Head of School, Andrew Powell

"Katrina is remembered affectionately as an outstanding student who excelled in all aspects of school life and was much-loved by her peers and teachers alike.

"She was generous in giving of her time and this year Katrina used her skills as a barrister to guide our senior students in preparing for mock trials.

"Our hearts go out to Katrina's entire family, including her husband Paul, and her children, Chloe, Sasha, and Oliver. We have been greatly shocked and saddened by this tragic news and will do everything possible to support the family at this terrible time."

Dozens of Muslim groups have issued a joint statement expressing sympathy for the families of those killed and injured during the siege.

"We pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured and traumatised," Australia's Grand Mufti, Ibrahim Abu Mohammad, said in the statement.

"We are confident that with a continued display of responsibility and restraint, community harmony will be maintained."

Lindt and Sprüngli, which owns the cafe, released a statement on Facebook thanking NSW Police and offering support to the siege victims and their families.

"Our thoughts and feelings are with the victims and their families who have been through an incredible ordeal, and we want to pay tribute to their courage and bravery," the statement said.

The Sunshine Coast father of a Lindt employee caught up in the siege said he was relieved his daughter made it out alive but was horrified at the loss of others.

Harriette Denny, 30, ran from the cafe with five other hostages, just before police launched their assault.

Robert Denny said his family spent an anxious night watching the events unfold on television but had now spoken with his daughter.

"I spoke with her twice [on Tuesday], maybe three times I can't remember and she's okay," he said.

"She's tired, she's relieved and she's distressed that her friend the duty manager didn't make it through."

Topics: police-sieges, sydney-2000

First posted