Sydney siege victims: Tributes paid to Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson

Tori Johnson and Katrina Johnson, the two hostages killed in the Sydney siege yesterday.

Tributes have been paid to two hostages who were killed in the Sydney cafe siege.

Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson were killed when a 16-hour siege in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe came to a bloody end when lone gunman, Man Horan Monis, apparently opened fire.

Thirty-four-year-old Johnson, the cafe's manager, and Katrina Dawson, 38, a barrister, were both pronounced dead in hospital.

Monis, described as a self-styled Muslim cleric and Islamic State-sympathiser, was also killed when police raided the cafe in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Mr Johnson's parents said they were "so proud of our beautiful boy Tori".

It has been reported that the 34-year-old was killed as he tried to wrestle the gun from Monis.

Australia is in mourning after the deadly attack. Credit: Reuters
The bloody siege left three people, including the gunman, dead. Credit: Reuters
A woman reacts as she leaves a tribute to the two hostages. Credit: Reuters

"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," Ken and Rosemary Johnson said in a statement.

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

"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."

Johnson had worked for Lindt for over two years and was described as a "dedicated professional" who was "much loved" by colleagues.

Ms Dawson, who was described as a rising legal star, was reportedly killed truing to protect a pregnant friend.

She is survived by her husband, three children, and family including her brother, prominent media lawyer Sandy Dawson.

"We are shocked and devastated by the tragic and senseless death of our darling Katrina," a statement said.

"She was an amazing woman and the most loving and loved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, in-law and blessed with a wonderful circle of friends and colleagues.

"We would like to thank everyone who has provided their support and wishes over the past 48 hours and ask that we be allowed to support each other in private."

Ms Dawson's childhood friend, Molly Hutcherson, said the 38-year-old was "unwaveringly loyal" and a "dedicated" mother to her three children.

"She was certainly clever but, much more than this, she was unwaveringly loyal, warm and kind," she wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"She was very generous with her time, knowledge and friendship, and her children will certainly understand only this - that their Mummy was dedicated to them, and, despite the express career train she was on, she nevertheless found time for each of them."