Lindt Cafe sniper set to sue NSW police over 'failure' to save hostages

A sniper involved in Sydney's Lindt Cafe siege has lodged action against NSW police, alleging he and fellow officers were prevented from doing their jobs.

The officer who shot dead the Lindt Cafe siege gunman says he could not have acted differently. Source: AAP

The chief sniper during the Lindt Cafe siege will sue the NSW Police Force, alleging he and fellow officers were prevented from doing their jobs and the lives of cafe manager Tori Johnson and barrister Katrina Dawson could have been saved.

Sydney woman Katrina Dawson, 38, and Lindt cafe man Tori Johnson, 34. Source: Supplied

The officer, who can only be identified as Sierra 3-1, alleges in a 30-page affidavit he has suffered psychological trauma due to decisions taken by his superiors during the siege on 15 December in 2014 in which 17 people were taken, hostage.

The Daily Telegraph reports the civil action, lodged in the NSW District Court on 12 April, will be heard next year in a one-day hearing.

The case is expected to re-examine aspects of the siege.

It follows another complaint he made to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commissioner that was dismissed, that claimed senior officers perjured themselves at the initial inquest.

Gunman Man Haron Monis was shot dead by police. Source: AAP

Mr Johnson, 34 and Ms Dawson 38, were killed during the stand-off, which also saw the death of gunman Man Monis.