This was published 11 years ago
The man who is holding more than a dozen people hostage and placed Sydney's CBD into lockdown is no stranger to the NSW police or the judiciary.
Self-described cleric, Man Haron Monis, 50, first came to attention of police when he penned poisonous letters to the family of dead Australian soldiers.
You can read the full story on Man Haron Monis here.
As we enter day two of the hostage drama at Martin Place, we have kicked off a new live article for our readers. We'll be switching off this live blog, and our reporters will be keeping you informed in our new blog.
You can keep up to date with all our coverage throughout Tuesday here.
The hostage siege at Lindt Cafe in Martin Place has been given prominence on the front pages of newspapers in the United States where there is great sensitivity to any terrorist-related attacks. The siege in Sydney follows 'the lone-wolf' attack on Canada's war memorial and parliament in Ottawa by an Islamic State sympathiser.
Police continue to keep watch and maintain their positions outside the Lindt Chocolate Cafe.
A coalition of Muslim groups has issued a statement expressing their "utter shock and horror" over the siege at Martin Place and "urging everyone to stay calm".
"We reject any attempt to take the innocent life of any human being, or to instil fear and terror into their hearts," the statement says.
Read the full story by Anne Davies and Tim Elliott here: Muslim leaders brace for backlash
Peter Hartcher comments on the siege that has captured media attention around the world:
"Why do political activists turn to terrorism? Australia gave the world a lesson today.
They turn to terrorism to win attention, to cause fear, and to use that fear to produce an overreaction. That overreaction is the measure of their success."
Read the full story here: Overreaction from fear is a measure of a terrorist's success
Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn has commended the public for its patience during the ongoing operation.
"You, the community, made our job much easier than it could have been," Deputy Commissioner Burn said.
"We only hope that co-operation and understanding continues tomorrow as we work to bring about a peaceful resolution to this situation."
Bus services will run according to regular schedules, although some routes will be diverted around the affected area.
Train services will operate normally although Martin Place station remains closed.
Police are urging the public to go about their business as usual tomorrow.
Officers will continue to maintain a perimeter around a cafe at the corner of Martin Place and Elizabeth streets overnight where a man is holding a number of hostages.
Traffic and Highway Patrol police have cordoned-off parts of Hunter, Macquarie, King and Elizabeth streets.
Elly Chen, one of the employees who fled the Lindt Cafe at about 5pm on Monday, was a talented student and athlete, according to her social media accounts.
Friends and relatives flooded her Facebook page with messages of relief that she had made it from the building.
The hostages inside the cafe have now been there for more than 12 hours.
Here is a timeline of events from earlier in the day.
9.44am: Man seen entering Lindt Cafe, carrying blue sports bag with gun inside.
9.45am: Police called to scene.
9:50am: Police clear area and cordon off Martin Place.