Australia reacts as Sydney siege reaches tragic conclusion

AN OVERWHELMING floral tribute to those lost during the siege at Martin Place reflects the grief of a nation.

PEOPLE have started leaving flowers at Martin Place as Australians react to the news that three people are dead from the Sydney siege.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione visited a makeshift memorial near Martin Place this morningin honour of the two hostages who lost their lives during the siege.

He stood and looked at the floral tributes laid by members of the public and paused for a moment of silence before leaving. “I don’t think I could be sadder,” he told reporters.

“Having said that I’m incredibly proud of our police and what we’ve done.”

The memorial of flowers has grown throughout the day with local florists struggling to keep up with demand.

The NSW Premier and Australia’s Governor General were among those who visited the site to pay their repects.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione at the Martin Place flower memorial.

”I don't think I could be sadder”.

Post by NSW Police Force.

The line to buy flowers was 20 deep at times as office workers, tourists and residents waited to pay tribute. One stall had customers almost snaked across the width of Martin Place, according to the Daily Telegraph. Fortunately fresh supplies are on their way.

Line at florist. Number of people walking in city with bunches of flowers is extraordinary @702sydney #sydneyseige pic.twitter.com/hFd7k7m6xw

— Shannon Byrne (@shannonbyrne23) December 16, 2014

Not many flowers left in the Wynyard florist. #sydneyseige #martinplace pic.twitter.com/o2H2X9V4co

— Norman (@n0rm9n) December 16, 2014

Martin Place merchants have nearly sold out of flowers. Every other person in the area is carrying a bouquet. pic.twitter.com/I3gIjeBeDt

— Erin Turner (@ErinLTurner) December 16, 2014

People lay flowers at the memorial. Pic John Grainger

Many people are mourning the deaths of two hostages. Picture: Bradley Hunter

Governor-General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove pays his respects. Picture: Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images

An overwhelming display. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Police officers visit the flower memorial. Picture: Bradley Hunter

NSW Premier Mike Baird at the flower memorial.

Many people leaving flowers at Martin Place after the siege ended. Picture: John Grainger

Flowers left at Martin Place this morning after the siege ended. Picture: John grainger

Kate Golder was in tears as she delivered flowers to the scene in Martin Place. Picture by: Kate Dwek / Splash News

Flowers left at Martin Place. Picture by: Kate Dwek / Splash News

Mourners leaving flowers at Martin Place. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced flags on all NSW Government buildings will fly at half-mast today. The flags on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are also at half-mast.

The Premier is also inviting people who wish to lay a floral tribute to the victims to do so at Martin Place. Condolence books will be provided later today near the Martin Place water fountain, facing Pitt Street.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the flag also be flown at half-mast today at all Commonwealth Government buildings as a mark of respect and mourning for all the innocent victims involved in the siege.

The flags on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are at half mast. pic.twitter.com/NhEAc3o730

— Nick Wray (@50ShadesOfWray) December 15, 2014

The reaction on social media has been of overwhelming shock and sadness at the siege’s tragic conclusion, especially once the names of the two victims was released

so heavy hearted today after the sydney siege, can't get over the fact one lady killed was a mother of 3😥 RIP katrina dawson & tori johnson💖

— laura (@lauramccue_) December 15, 2014

Such a sad and somber day in #sydney. Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson lost their lives at the hands of a lunatic.

— VenessaHunt (@VenessaHunt) December 15, 2014

Let the names Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson be the names we remember from #sydneysiege. Let Man Haron Monis's name fade into obscurity.

— Ally Mosher (@AllyMosher) December 15, 2014

Two innocent people died from the #sydneysiege ...and many terrorised! All they wanted was a coffee and to get on with their day. #RIP

— alanamos (@alanaa93) December 15, 2014

My thoughts are with the families of those killed in the #sydneysiege. Terrible news. Glad that some made it out

— Paul Hutton (@orbitalpaul) December 15, 2014

A very dark day. #sydneysiege

— Blake Pappas (@Mike_BP_Whitney) December 15, 2014

Sitting in Sydney airport looking out at a grey summer's day. Sad, sad vibes.

— Troye Sivan (@troyesivan) December 16, 2014

I just want this year to end :( #sydneysiege

— Hyoyeon Stan (@AuraOfTheSwine) December 15, 2014

Never thought I would wake up to hear news like that. Praying for those families who lost loved ones during the #sydneysiege. Heartbreaking.

— Sophia Liang (@phialiang) December 15, 2014

So very,very sad waking up to the news that 2 innocent ppl lost their lives in my hometown. #sydneysiege #illridewithyou

— Danny Zoldan (@Danntastic) December 15, 2014

#SydneySiege today is a day to wear your Australian flags to show that my heart is broken not my pride for my country pic.twitter.com/fIzHYFxQDX

— Dinkidie aka Dianna (@dinkidie) December 15, 2014

Terrible news to wake up to. 2 innocent people dead. Angry and sad at the same time. #jaymohrsports #TooSadToTweet #sydneysiege

— aussie_steven (@aussie_steven) December 15, 2014

Australia: time to unite behind those victims and families of those #sydneysiege

— Philip Anthony (@philip__anthony) December 15, 2014

This image breaks my heart.. The emotions in this girls face.. I just want to hug her. #sydneysiege pic.twitter.com/gq6ulBFP6l

— nicole (@nickichick7) December 15, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear that 2 innocents have died. My condolences go out to the friends and family. #sydneysiege #SydneyHostageCrisis

— TK (@tkcheese) December 15, 2014

Thank God the #SydneySiege is over. Tragic circumstances for some families and forever in the mind of the hostages. I pray for you all

— Max Delmege (@maxsam44) December 15, 2014

I'm glad that the #sydneysiege is over, but so very sad it coast the lives of 2 hostages. I hope the survivors get all the help they need.

— Rachel Bucknall (@RachelBucknall) December 15, 2014

Condolences to all affected by Sydney. Words totally inadequate

— Malcolm Fraser (@MalcolmFraser12) December 15, 2014

While the tragic events have inspired anti-Islamic sentiment, some Australians are pushing back against the hatred using the Twitter hashtag #illridewithyou, which has seen everyday people offering to ride on buses and trains with Muslims, or give them a lift to work this morning, in order to keep them safe from any potential backlash.

Crying for two reasons. Firstly, at the horror of the #sydneysiege, & secondly at the truly beautiful reaction of #illridewithyou

— Mitchell Meek (@mmeek1987) December 15, 2014

Just heard about #illridewithyou you make me very proud STRAYA!!! Well done!! We don't deserve one idiot to ruin the lives of so many.

— Sam Simmons (@samsimmonss) December 15, 2014

Positive things that come out nightmares. Proud to call it home #Sydney #illridewithyou

— Neha Mehta (@nehs16) December 15, 2014

The gesture of support has touched people around the world.

The #illridewithyou trending should be a wake up call to how we handle tragic events in the US. Such a beautiful statement to fight bigotry.

— Laura (@KittenKhaleesi) December 15, 2014

@VivEgan41 @globalhelpswap Thanks, but I think the way Australia has risen to the task #illridewithyou is even more reason to go to Sydney.

— Travel With Bender (@TravelwitBender) December 15, 2014

The concept of #illridewithyou just gives me so much inner happiness its unreal. There is hope after all.

— Bruh. (@hassnainashrafi) December 15, 2014

Dear #Australia thank you for starting #illridewithyou - i pray we can all ride with each other forever & not against each other. Love #UK

— Nadia Leona Yunis (@mcturboflow) December 15, 2014