Inquest set to see if deadly Sydney siege could have been prevented

The world will be watching as an inquest into the Lindt cafe siege opens in Sydney on Thursday.

The inquest will try to determine how gunman Man Haron Monis and two hostages, Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, died.

It will also look to establish whether the deaths could have been avoided.

A large international media contingent, including the BBC, CNN and The New York Times, is expected to attend the opening day.

No witnesses will be called, but counsel assisting will outline the scope of the inquest and the results of inquiries to date.

Lawyers representing police officers, the victims' families, and other interested parties have been invited to apply to take part.

The inquest is expected to adjourn until later in the year.