Sydney Police raids cafe with hostages. Three dead including one gunman. VIDEO + PHOTO

Gunman Man Haron Monis, who took 17 people hostage in Martin Place yesterday, reportedly opened fire after awaking to find several of the hostages trying to make a break for it after he nodded off.

Police stormed the Lindt Café in Martin Place early this morning after hearing "a number of gunshots from inside", Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said and it is believed the Monis may fired up to three shots after waking from a doze and discovering several hostages attempting to flee, Censor.NET reports citing 9News.

Three people are dead, including gunman Monis, a 34-year-old male hostage and a 38-year-old female hostage after the situation in Sydney ended in a hail of gunfire.

The self-styled Muslim cleric, who took the group of people hostage Monday morning, was confirmed dead early Tuesday, along with two other people, believed to be hostages.

Police said the 50-year-old gunman died when police stormed the building about 2 a.m. local time.