Sydney siege inquest: CCTV shows the moment police stormed the Lindt Cafe

CCTV footage has revealed the moment police stormed the Lindt Cafe, where Sydney Siege gunman Man Monis was holding staff hostage.

The footage was shown during an inquest into the December 2014 siege in Sydney's Martin Place.

The inquest was also shown footage which showed Monis shoot at six survivors as they fled from the cafe.

Cafe manager Tori Johnston was forced to kneel and place his hands behind his head. He was then shot in the back of the head by Monis.

"Don't move, everything will be fine," Monis then told hostages as he stood over Johnston's slumped body.

It was after this flash of shotgun fire that police sniper Sierre 3 radioed in 'White Window 2, hostage down'. Within minutes, the siege would be over.

The inquest is set to hear on whether police should have acted immediately after Monis fired his sawn-off shotgun at the escaping hostages, instead of waiting for the death of Johnston.

It was a mere two minutes from the time Monis shot Johnston to the time he was shot dead by police.

Monis sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head, shoulder, back, chest, buttocks and foot, the inquest heard on Tuesday.

The inquest heard that police officers cannot recall how many shots were fired at Monis, but there is evidence of a total of 22 bullets.

Counsel assisting Sophie Callan told the inquest Johnson had sent text messages to alert authorities of opportunities to storm the cafe.

“Tell the police the lobby door is unlocked. He’s sitting in the corner on his own,” a message to Lindt Cafe supervisor Paolo Vassallo at 7:05pm read.

That message was immediately relayed to authorities. About 30 minutes later, the same message was sent to a Lindt & Sprungli phone number.

"What police did on receiving word of these messages is a matter that will be addressed in evidence,” Callan told the inquest.

Newly released audio from a secret police bug placed inside the Lindt Cafe during the Sydney siege has revealed teenage survivor Jarrod Morton-Hoffman tried to bargain with gunman Man Monis to release a pregnant hostage.

Raw and grainy audio heard Monis laughing off a request from Morton-Hoffman to release pregnant Sydney barrister Julie Taylor.

"If you let the pregnant lady go I'll print you a flag," Morton-Hoffman pleaded as Monis discussed his desires for more Islamic State propaganda to be used.

Monis simply laughed off the suggestion.

"I’ll print you one hundred, I’ll paint everything," Morton-Hoffman continued.

Hostage Selina Win Pe called police at 1:12am in a desperate bid to convince negotiators to shut off lights surrounding the cafe.

"I'm going to get shot in 15 minutes if you don't have these lights turned off," she told police negotiator Matt.

"You don't know how close I just came. Could you please have these lights switched off? I have 15 minutes before I get shot with a rifle."

The inquest yesterday heard gunman Monis may have had an accomplice and possibly hopes of escape.

It also heard an emergency phone call made by Lindt Cafe manager Tori Johnson, who was told by a police dispatcher to "hang on" as he communicated a message while being held at gunpoint.

Johnson could be heard explaining Australia was under attack from the Islamic State and that three bombs were placed around Sydney’s CBD.

He told of the deadly intentions of Man Haron Monis, after he had been taken hostage.

“I have a gun in front of me. Australia is under attack by Islamic State, there are three bombs in different locations,” Johnson could be heard saying during the chilling phone call.

Johnson made the call at 9.14am, an hour after Monis entered the Lindt Café, taking 18 hostages. Monis later shot dead Johnson as the 17-hour siege came to an end.

Johnson was told to "hang on" and "stay on the line" multiple times by the emergency operator who tried to find the location of the café – Martin Place, in the middle of Sydney's CBD.

Initially she made it clear she did not know where Martin Place was.

“Lindt Chocolate Cafe, that's where I am,” Johnson said.

Johnson calmly explained he needed to "finish reading this message" as he had "a gun pointed" at him.

Monis claimed other "brothers" were at Martin Place, Circular Quay and George Street where he threatened three bombs could be detonated by a radio.

“Police should not come close to me and other brothers otherwise they will explode the bombs. Some hostages have been taken,” Mr Johnson read out.

“The plan is to request Tony Abbott to call them or me and to have them have a debate, while it is broadcast live on ABC national radio.”

• Siege families question video delay

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Johnson repeated Monis' demands as the operator asked for clarification.

“He wants ABC radio to contact his phone number,” he said.

“He's got a very large gun in front of me, I'm sorry.”

The operator explained: “I understand that sir, I’m trying. I’m getting them, I’m getting the authorities.”

Johnson told her Monis was "threatening everyone he'll shoot them".

“He's putting people in front of doors with their hands up.”

The inquest also heard that police arrived within minutes of Johnson’s call.

“One cannot help but admire the calmness and coolness with which (Mr Johnson) managed that call,” counsel assisting, Jeremy Gormly SC said.

He said the evidentiary significance of the calls were of the highest order, adding that it was during the calls that Monis announced himself to the world.

Gabrielle Bashir SC told the hearing that "grief and emotions" of the families of the victims had not subsided, and that they should be protected from further pain.

News break – March 22