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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Hannah Ellis-Petersen (now), Graham Russell Kevin Rawlinson, Elle Hunt, Matthew Weaver, Naaman Zhou and Kate Lyons (earlier)

Christchurch massacre: PM confirms children among shooting victims – as it happened

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern speaks to the media during a press conference in Christchurch
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern speaks to the media after the terror attack on a mosque in Christchurch. Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

As night falls in New Zealand we will now be wrapping up the live-blog for today. Thanks for following.

Summary

  • Children are among the 49 killed in yesterday’s terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said
  • The main suspect intended to continue his attack and had modified weapons but was arrested by two community police officers, she said. There were two other firearms were in his vehicle and he was arrested 36 minutes after the first emergency call
  • He is facing one count of murder but there will be further charges
  • Ardern said the investigation was ongoing but authorities believed there was only “one primary perpetrator.”
  • Thirty-nine people are in hospital, 11 are in intensive care, ranging from children to the elderly
  • A 28-year-old Australian man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court on Saturday morning charged with murder. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.
  • New Zealanders have rallied around the Muslim community as heartbreaking details continued to emerge about those killed and injured.
  • Daoud Nabi, a native of Afghanistan; Syrian refugee Khaled Mustafa; and four-year-old Abdullahi Dirie, who was at the mosque with his father and four siblings, are all said to be among the dead, as well as a 14-year-old boy who was among the injured but later died in hospital, according to his father.
  • Attorney general David Parker has reportedly told an Auckland rally the government will move to ban semi-automatic weapons. Earlier, Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence and began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017. He was carrying two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns at the time of the attack.
  • Four for the 49 people who were killed died on the way to hospital.
  • A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant. Commissioner Mike Bush said: “We are not searching for anyone posing a threat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.” The main suspect, one of four who were initially arrested, was taken into custody 36 minutes after the first emergency calls came in.
  • Leaders from around the world, including the Queen as head of state, have offered their condolences to those affected. Donald Trump offered sympathy and comfort during a call to Ardern but has separately said white nationalism is “not really” a growing threat when asked about the issue in light of Friday’s shooting.
  • Australian senator Senator Fraser Anning who blamed “fears over the increasing muslim presence” for the attack was pelted with an egg by a teenage boy at a press conference

Here is our news wrap of today’s developments

New Zealand will ban semi-automatic weapons after the worst mass killing in the nation’s history left 49 people dead and another 48 injured.

As the nation reeled following the attack on two mosques in the South Island city of Christchurch, New Zealand attorney general David Parker said that the weapons would be outlawed.

Speaking on Saturday in Christchurch, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern said the suspect charged over the killings intended to “continue with his attack” when he was intercepted by police.

She said the man was arrested by two “rural community cops” 36-minutes after the first emergency call was made on Friday and was still an active shooter.

“There were two other firearms in the vehicle that the offender was in and it absolutely was his intention to continue with his attack,” she told reporters in Christchurch on Saturday.

Ardern said children were caught up in the attack and one of the injured was a two-year-old boy.

Australian Brendon Tarrant,28, appeared in court on Saturday charged with one count of murder in relation to the massacre and has been remanded in custody until 5 April. He is expected to face more charges.

Mel Davey in Christchurch has spoken to Muslims grieving after the attacks. Here is her report:

The wife of missing Palestinian heart doctor Amjad Hamid, who was at the mosque when the shootings happened, has told the New Zealand Herald she believes her husband is dead.

Hamid’s wife Hanan described her husband as a “very kind man”. She said they had emigrated to Christchurch 23 years ago.

Updated

A message left amongst the flowers outside Deans Avenue Mosque

Updated

The lockdown of Hawke’s Bay Hospital in Hastings has ended.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the lockdown had ended just after 6.30pm following “extensive enquires” at the hospital and surrounding areas.

“It has been determined there is no threat to hospital staff or the public.”

Syrian Solidarity New Zealand spokesman Ali Akil said that Syrian refugee Khaled Mustafa, who had arrived in New Zealand with his family just a few months ago, was amongst those killed while praying at the Deans Ave mosque in Christchurch on Friday with his two sons, one of whom is injured and the other missing.

Akil said he had spoken to Mustafa’s wife, who was “devastated and deeply horrified”.

The family had “survived atrocities” in Syria and “arrived here in a safe haven only to be killed in the most atrocious way”, said Akil.

“They were just looking for a safe place. Unfortunately we can’t claim that New Zealand is a safe place anymore.”

The chief of surgery for the Christchurch District Health Board, Greg Robertson, said that seven people who had been treated for injuries at Christchurch hospital have been discharged.

Of the 39 people still receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, 11 are in still in Intensive Care

In response to the Christchurch attacks, the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, accused western governments of encouraging Islamophobia on Friday.

In a statement carried by the official government website, Rouhani said the shootings showed the need for “all out confrontation against ... the Islamophobia pervasive in the west which is unfortunately encouraged by some western governments”.

Rouhani promised Iran’s foreign ministry would “diligently” follow the “arrest and trial of the perpetrators of this heinous act”.

Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also blamed “western democracies” for the attack.

“Western hypocrisy of defending demonisation of Muslims as ‘freedom of expression’ MUST end,” Zarif tweeted.

Updated

An Australian senator who blamed the New Zealand terror attack on Muslim immigration has been pelted with an egg in Melbourne.

Senator Fraser Anning was halfway through a press conference when a teenager threw an egg at him. Reportedly, the senator responded by hitting the boy on the head. The teenager was then tackled to the ground by the police and then led away.

Anning was slammed yesterday after saying the mosque attack highlighted a “growing fear over an increasing Muslim presence” in Australian and New Zealand communities.

Updated

The Saudi-owned satellite news channel Al-Arabiya is reporting one of two citizens of the kingdom wounded in the New Zealand mosque attack has died.

The channel, citing his family, said Mohsen al-Muzaini had succumbed to the wounds he suffered in the shooting Friday.

Hawkes Bay Hospital in New Zealand is currently on lockdown after a “security threat”

14-year-old boy who was among injured has died

The 14-year-old boy who was among the injured in the attack has died, his father has confirmed.

Sayyad Milne, a student at Cashmere High School, had been at the mosque with his mother and friends, as he was every Friday.

Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, his devastated father John Milne said: “I’ve lost my little boy, he’s just turned 14. I haven’t heard officially yet that he’s actually passed but I know he has because he was seen. [I’m] keeping it together and tears are helping. people are helping. Just by being here, it is helping.”

“I remember him as my baby who I nearly lost when he was born. Such a struggle he’s had throughout all his life. he’s been unfairly treated but he’s risen above that and hes very brave. A brave little soldier. It’s so hard... to see him just gunned down by someone who didn’t care about anyone or anything.

Milne said that at the mosque his son had been carrying a sign which read: “Everyone love everyone.”

Authorities in New Zealand have not said exactly what type of firearm was used in the mosque attacks, but prime minister Jacinda Ardern did say in a press conference this afternoon that the weapons “appear to have been modified.”

The weapons she was referring two were two semi-automatic rifles, part of the arsenal of five guns that were allegedly in the possession of Australian terror suspect Brenton Tarrant.

Tarrant held a “category A” firearms licence, which is the entry level gun licence in New Zealand. It is fairly easy to obtain so long as you pass the police background check and complete a firearms safety course. There is no requirement to register category A firearms, meaning that gun owners are able to stockpile as many weapons as they like without being monitored.

The category A licence entitles the holder to purchase any of more than 2,000 types of firearm, including semi-automatic rifles. It does not entitle them to hold a military-style semi automatic rifle (MSSA) which are restricted to a “category E” and, if owned legally, must be registered and stored securely.

Ardern’s comments, together with earlier comments of police commissioner Mike Bush, suggest that Tarrant may have modified a gun that he was legally allowed to own — an ordinary semi-automatic rifle — into a MSSA using a high capacity magazine.

Bush told reporters on Saturday that a “category A” firearm holder “can purchase the firearms without the magazines or the things that will enable them to be in the state that they were.”

The sale of high-capacity magazines is unregulated in New Zealand.

According to Philip Alpers, a gun policy expert from the Sydney School of Public Health at Sydney University, using a high-capacity magazine would “make those firearms technically illegal… but would be very easy to acquire.”

Police Association President Chris Cahill welcomed the Prime Minister’s early commitment to changing New Zealand’s gun laws. “We cannot ignore the role of guns in this event,” he said.

Mr Cahill added: “Jacinda Ardern has said emphatically that New Zealand’s gun laws will change and that now is the time for that change. I absolutely agree with her and I believe many New Zealanders will be aghast that in our country someone can amass a cache of weapons like that discovered in this Christchurch tragedy.”

The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has just given a press conference. He confirmed that the main suspect “was on nobody’s radar” and that “this is the real challenge with regard to terrorism”.

He denounced comments by an Australian senator that blamed the massacre on immigration laws. Fraser Anning’s comments were “appalling” and “ugly” and have no place in Australia or the Australian parliament, he said.

Morrison said it was too early to tell whether the shooting suspect, an Australian, would be extradited, saying the process begins with New Zealand’s justice system.

He revealed his personal shock at the events in Christchurch, saying he had lived in New Zealand for some years. “This is a traumatic and tectonic event for New Zealand - it’s such a peaceful place,” he said. “I lived there for some years. For this to happen is incredibly distressing.”

He says the “intent was to inspire more hatred and violence. To provide some sort of sick leadership and what we say today is no. Peace and love will triumph.”

Summary

  • Children are among the 49 killed in yesterday’s terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said
  • The main suspect intended to continue his attack and had modified weapons but was arrested by two community police officers, she said. There were two other firearms were in his vehicle and he was arrested 36 minutes after the first emergency call
  • He is facing one count of murder but there will be further charges
  • Thirty-nine people are in hospital, 11 are in intensive care, ranging from children to the elderly
  • A 28-year-old Australian man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court on Saturday morning charged with murder. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.
  • The city has united in grief, with floral tributes being laid at mosques across the country, including at the botanic gardens close to the sites of both attacks. Religious leaders and charitable organisations have flocked to the area to offer support.
  • Attorney general David Parker has reportedly told an Auckland rally the government will move to ban semi-automatic weapons. Earlier, Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence and began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017. He was carrying two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns at the time of the attack.
  • Two boys, aged two and 13, are among the injured being treated at Christchurch hospital, with 12 operating theatres working through the night. Most of the injured will need multiple operations, said chief of surgery Greg Robertson. Four for the 49 people who were killed died on the way to hospital.
  • A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant. Commissioner Mike Bush said: “We are not searching for anyone posing a threat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.” The main suspect, one of four who were initially arrested, was taken into custody 36 minutes after the first emergency calls came in.
  • Leaders from around the world, including the Queen as head of state, have offered their condolences to those affected. Donald Trump offered sympathy and comfort during a call to Ardern but has separately said white nationalism is “not really” a growing threat when asked about the issue in light of Friday’s shooting.

Updated

Quite a bit of new information there so will bring that to you shortly in a summary

She says security authorities were aware of a global rise in violent rightwing extremism but that this individual was not on any watchlist for New Zealand or Australia.

Further work will be done to ascertain if he should have been.

Updated

She says the weapons used in the attack were modified and praised the two police officers who arrested the man. They were rural community cops from Lincoln, she said. They “put New Zealand first”.

Suspect planned to continue his attack - Ardern

Ardern:

  • 39 people are in hospital, 11 are in intensive care, ranging from children to the elderly
  • Men, women and children are among those killed as well as injured
  • Police responded immediately to call received, and had main suspect in custody 36 minutes later
  • Two other firearms were in his vehicle and it was his intention to continue with his attack. He is facing one count of murder but there will be further charges
  • Police are working to build up a picture of the tragic event and a complex investigation is under way

Jacinda Ardern is speaking now

For those separated from family in yesterday’s s attacks, this Red Cross website enables you to register a missing person and register that you are alive.

Semi-automatic weapons will be banned – attorney general

New Zealand’s attorney general, David Parker, has warned of a global rise in extremism and said the government would ban semi-automatic rifles, the New Zealand Herald has reported.

He reportedly made the remarks at a vigil in Auckland’s Aotea Square to loud cheers.

“There is a dimming of enlightenment in many parts of the world,” he is quoted as saying, asking how can it be right that the atrocity was livestreamed and broadcast by social media companies.

His comments follow an earlier promise from the prime minister that gun laws will be changed. She said the main suspect had five firearms on him, including two semi-automatic weapons.

Clarke Gayford, the partner of PM Jacinda Ardern and colloquially known as the “first bloke”, has been out and about with their child to place a tribute to the victims.

A Gold Coast man with ties to Christchurch makes a very heartfelt appeal, both to the public in general, and to politicians specifically.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to speak to the media in the coming hours. She visited the Canterbury Refugee Centre in Christchurch this morning, meeting people along with deputy PM WInston Peters and opposition National party leader Simon Bridges.

Bridges said: “This is not something that has happened to just the Islamic community, just Christchurch. It has happened to all New Zealanders. It is foreign to everything we believe, our values, tolerance and peaceful living, and getting along with one another.”

r Jacinda Ardern speaks to a woman during a visit to the Canterbury Refugee Centre in Christchurch.
r Jacinda Ardern speaks to a woman during a visit to the Canterbury Refugee Centre in Christchurch. Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

Terrorist attacks of the nature seen in Christchurch are incredibly rare to New Zealand – this was the worst mass shooting in its history – however that is not the case for other countries.

Lois Beckett, a senior Guardian reporter in the US who specialises in covering the far-right, says Friday’s killings “appear to be the latest in a drumbeat of attacks motivated by the belief that the white race is endangered. The perceived threats include Jews, Muslims, immigrants, refugees, feminists and leftist politicians.”

You can read more here.

a flower next to police tape
Photograph: Melissa Davey/THE GUARDIAN

a cyclist lays a tribute in christchurch
Photograph: Melissa Davey/The Guardian

Some images from reporter Melissa Davey, who is in Christchurch

Flowers left in tribute at one of the sites of the Christchurch shooting.
Flowers left in tribute at one of the sites of the Christchurch shooting. Photograph: Melissa Davey/The Guardian

New Zealand’s top-tier rugby league club is offering free entry for today’s season-opening match against Australia’s Canterbury Bulldogs as a way for New Zealanders to unite.

CEO Cameron George said: “New Zealand is hurting. We are New Zealand’s team in the NRL [National Rugby League] and we want the public to join us this evening to acknowledge collectively those who have been affected by the heinous act in our country.”

You can read more about the match, in Auckland’s Mount Smart stadium, here.

Fuller added that the family of the Australian suspect approached New South Wales police after seeing coverage of the terrorist attack.

Police in New South Wales have said they will be increasing their public presence after the attacks but emphasised that there were no live threats in terms of terrorism. “It is important that we stand united,” says police commissioner Michael Fuller

Updated

A spokesman for the Imam Council of Sydney has just spoken of the need for unity.

“It feels like it’s happened at home,” he says. “The key message is that we are in it all together, we are in the same boat.

“The terrorists do this with one objective: to divide and fragment our society and that is precise what we need to guard against.”

Updated

Summary

  • A 28-year-old man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court in Christchurch charged with murder following the attack on two mosques yesterday in which 49 people have died. New Zealand police say more charges are likely to be laid. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.
  • The city has united in grief, with floral tributes being laid at mosques across the country, including at the botanic gardens close to the sites of both attacks. Religious leaders and charitable organisations have flocked to the area to offer support.
  • Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence. She said he began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017 and had two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns.
  • Two boys, aged two and 13, are among the 36 injured being treated at Christchurch hospital, with 12 operating theatres working through the night. Most of the injured will need multiple operations, said chief of surgery Greg Robertson. Four for the 49 people who were killed died on the way to hospital.
  • A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant. Commissioner Mike Bush said: “We are not searching for anyone posing a threat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.” The main suspect, one of four who were initially arrested, was taken into custody 36 minutes after the first emergency calls came in.
  • Leaders from around the world, including the Queen as head of state, have offered their condolences to those affected. Donald Trump offered sympathy and comfort during a call to Ardern but has separately said white nationalism is “not really” a growing threat when asked about the issue in light of Friday’s shooting.

The police apprehended the main suspect 36 minutes after they received the first call.

The car the main suspect was in had a device and the army was brought in to render that device safe.

Bush has gone through the four people arrested. He said one person was released quite early - “a member of the public who just wanted to get their kids home, but decided to take a firearm”.

He said there was another couple arrested at a cordon, “and we are currently working through whether or not that person or those persons had any involvement in this incident”.

Police commissioner Mike Bush: “I have no intel about a current imminent threat but I would never assume anything in this situation.

We are not searching for anyone posing a threat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.

I reach out to the public again to say that if you see something, say something.”

He has praised the work of everyone, from local authorities to St John Ambulance staff and, in particular, imams for their help in dealing with the aftermath.

Updated

Police commission Mike Bush is speaking now.

Two children among 36 patients being cared for - Christchurch hospital

The chief of surgery at Christchurch, Greg Robertson, has just given an update on the victims being treated there.

He said 12 operating theatres worked through the night, caring for 36 patients, ranging from the very young to elderly.

Two children, boys aged two and 13, are among those injured, and are in a stable condition.

Robertson said many will need multiple operations

Many will need multiple returns to theatre for surgery.

Penny Wong, the leader of Australia’s opposition Labor party in the Senate and shadow foreign affairs minister, has just issued her condolences, telling the Muslim community: “We understand and we are with you.”

She said yesterday’s attacked “reminded us again of how important it is that all of us stand against hatred”.

“To the people of New Zealand, we regard you as family and today your Australian family grieves with you.”

Flowers have been left outside Christchurch hospital where most of the injured are being cared for. Some family members are sitting in the park opposite hugging one another. There are numerous cordons in place after it was revealed the hospital itself was a target of the terror cell. Armed police are stationed outside the main entrance to the hospital, along with hospital security staff.

Updated

We will be hearing shortly from medical officials at Christchurch hospital. The briefing is scheduled for 1pm local time (midnight GMT).

Tomorrow a mosque open day is being held across the water in the Australian state of Victoria and police have said will increase the security presence around places of worship.

Twenty-one mosques in Victoria plan to open their doors to the community to mark the beginning of Cultural Diversity Week. It’s the third year the open day has been held, with thousands of visitors attending in previous years.

In a statement, Victoria police said they wanted to reassure the Victorian community that the police presence at places of worship and community events, including the Australian Grand Prix, would be increased this weekend.

“The safety of all Victorians is our number one priority and we will take all necessary action to ensure that everyone in our community not only feels safe, but is safe,” a police spokeswoman said. “There is no intelligence at this point in time to suggest there is any threat to the Victorian community.”

The Islamic Council of Victoria said the event would go ahead and would “no doubt be tinged with sadness.”

“We invite Victorians of all faiths to visit nearby local mosques this Sunday to meet their fellow Australians in a warm and welcoming environment, exactly what is needed at this traumatic time,” the council said.

Anyone with information about a possible attack or person of interest is urged to make a confidential report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or ring triple zero.

Armed police guard Wellington’s Kilbirnie mosque as wellwishers bring tributes.
Armed police guard Wellington’s Kilbirnie mosque as wellwishers bring tributes. Photograph: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images

A mourner draws on the pavement outside a mosque in Kilbirnie, Wellington, on Saturday.
A mourner draws on the pavement outside a mosque in Kilbirnie, Wellington, on Saturday. Photograph: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images

Many cordons remain in place in central Christchurch but there is more activity on the streets now. The library and central cafe’s are beginning to fill up as locals digest the full horror of the last 24 hours.

Many people are saying they feel “dazed” and in a surreal state watching as their usually quiet South Island town is transformed into the hub of New Zealand’s deadliest terrorist attack.

Police officers from other regions of New Zealand have arrived to provide relief for the local force. One officer guarding the cordon at the Al Noor mosque described the experience of putting his full training to use as “a nightmare”.

The mayor of Christchurch, Lianne Dalziel, has praised the work of emergency services and led calls for unity in the city in the wake of the attack.

“I know I speak for all of the people in Christchurch when I say how much we want to come together to support [those affected],” she said, adding that city authorities were focusing on how to best offer practical help to those who needed it.

She said Christchurch was a very diverse city and had welcomed new people. “They are our friends, they are our neighbours, we embrace them at this time.”

Floral tributes are being laid at Rolleston Avenue in the Botanic Gardens close to the sites of both attacks and flags around the city are flying at half-mast.

“The only way that communities can respond to the voice of hate is to come together in love, compassion and and kindness,” Dalziel said.

Updated

Our reporter Eleanor Ainge Roy was in court this morning to cover the appearance of the main suspect, Brenton Tarrant, on a murder charge. Tarrant, 28, was dressed in white prison clothing and looked confused at times.

Updated

The atrocity has brought communities together, with many New Zealanders choosing to show a sense of unity. Some radio stations have been reading out prayers for peace and asking people to pray with them.

Guardian reporter Melissa Davey says medical staff at Christchurch hospital are still dealing with some very complex cases among the dozens who were injured and cannot rule out a rise in the death toll, currently at 49.

Some papers have noted that the suspect, an Australian, was living in Dunedin and that references were made in a 74-page “manifesto” to targeting sites there instead.

Otago Daily Times on 16 March 2019 after Christchurch shooting
Photograph: Otago Daily Times

Hawke’s Bay Today on 16 March 2019 after Christchurch shooting
Hawke’s Bay Today on 16 March 2019 after Christchurch shooting Photograph: Hawke's Bay Today

Many of New Zealand’s newspapers have focused on Jacinda Ardern’s initial comments after yesterday’s attack, in which she said it was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.

Summary

Hello, Graham Russell picking up the liveblog coverage from Kevin Rawlinson. Here’s a quick summary of where we are:

  • A 28-year-old man, Brenton Tarrant, has appeared in court in Christchurch charged with murder following the attack on two mosques yesterday in which 49 people have died. New Zealand police say more charges will be laid. No application for bail was made and he is due to appear in court again on 5 April.
  • Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said the nation’s gun laws will change after it emerged the suspect had a firearms licence. She said he began legally stockpiling weapons in 2017.
  • A heightened police presence is visible across the country, including at mosques and public events, and the public have been urged to remain vigilant.
  • Leaders from around the world, including the Queen as head of state, have offered their condolences to those affected. Donald Trump offered sympathy and comfort during a call to Ardern but has separately said white nationalism is “not really” a growing threat when asked about the issue in light of Friday’s shooting.

Identity of main suspect confirmed

It has been confirmed that Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, has been charged with murdering a man, who cannot be named, in Christchurch.

If convicted, he faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, according to court documents. Police have already said he will face further charges over the shootings in New Zealand.

Updated

Suspect appears in court and will face further charges, say police

New Zealand’s police commissioner, Mike Bush, has said the suspect has appeared in court charged with murder and that further charges will be brought against him:

And there are local media reports that a member of the public tried to gain access to the court building to “knife” the suspect. The New Zealand Herald said the man, who was denied entry to the court, showed a knife to its reporter and said: “What the f*** has happened here?”

Updated

My colleague, Jon Swaine, is putting together a more detailed story on Jacinda Ardern’s promise to change New Zealand’s gun laws. You can read that here:

Police say the court will be closed to the public, though it appears journalists are being allowed in. We’re expecting the suspect to appear before too long.

Here are Donald Trump’s comments on the Christchurch attacks, made at the ceremony he held in the Oval Office for the signing of his veto:

Earlier today, I spoke with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the monstrous terror acts at two mosques. These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing. We’ve all been seeing what went out. It’s a horrible, horrible thing.

I told the prime minister that the United States is with them all the way, 100% – whatever they need. We will be there. New Zealand has been a great friend and partner for many years. Our relationship has never been better and what they’re going though is absolutely terrible. Our hearts are with them and whatever we can do.

He went on to say that, domestically, he was taking action to “restore our national sovereignty and defend this nation from criminal cartels, human traffickers and drug smugglers, crime of all kinds coming through our southern border and other places”. He said:

People hate the word ‘invasion’, but that what it is. It’s a invasion of drugs and criminals and people who have no idea who they are, but we capture them because border security is so good, but they’re put in a very bad position. We’re bursting at the seams, literally bursting at the seams. What border patrol is able to do is incredible.

Updated

Closing her press conference, Ardern has said:

I want to finish by saying that while the nation grapples with a form of grief and anger that we have not experienced before, we are seeking answers. As is the entire nation, we are all unified in grieving together.

She added:

Rhetoric of racism, division and extremism has no place not only in New Zealand but I would say in a society as a whole.

Police helicopters are continuously circling overhead the city, while approximately 100 members of media organisations wait for the accused to appear. Armed police and soldiers are also visible.

The court was scheduled to open at 9am (local time) but has not. Omar Nabi and his brother are waiting to enter the courthouse; Nabi says he needs to see the man who killed his father.

Michael Orczy, the vicar of St Michael’s church, is standing outside the courthouse after giving mass to parishes across the road. He says New Zealand’s entire religious community stands with their Muslim brothers and sisters and religious violence has no place in the country.

Michael Orczy, the vicar of St Michael’s church, in Christchurch
Michael Orczy, the vicar of St Michael’s church, in Christchurch Photograph: Eleanor Ainge Roy/The Guardian

This was an undeniable act of evil. God loves all his children equally. We are all shell-shocked. This is surreal in New Zealand. I have had to rewrite my sermon for Sunday.

We will be with our Muslim brothers and sisters every step of the way. This is an attack on God’s children. God loves all his children equally. This right-wing element in mellow Christchurch is surreal. I am preaching compassion and peace today. Revenge is never the answer.

Updated

Ardern urges Trump to show sympathy and love for all Muslims

New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, says she told the US president, Donald Trump, to show all Muslim communities “sympathy and love” when he asked what he could do in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

She made the pointed comments in a press conference held as she prepared to travel to Christchurch early on Saturday morning, local time.

Trump had earlier tweeted that he had spoken to Ardern and that the US stood with New Zealand following the deadly attacks.

Speaking to a pool reporter, Trump had insisted he does not see white nationalism as a rising problem, he said:

I don’t really, I think it’s a small group of people.

Trump called the attacks a “horrible act” and said he had not seen the suspect’s manifesto.

Seeking to put his reaction into some context, the Washington Post published an opinion piece, entitled: “A short history of President Trump’s anti-Muslim bigotry”. In it, the political scientist, Brian Klaas, accuses Trump of being an “Islamophobic bigot”.

Pressed on the matter of far-right extremists, she says the security services had “increased their work in that area but, even then, this particular individual was not known” to them, meaning there will be questions to be answered.

Ardern lists many of the world leaders, including Donald Trump, who have expressed their condolences. She says Trump asked what help he and the US could offer and says she told him: “Sympathy and love for all Muslim communities.” Ardern adds that Trump “acknowledged that and agreed”.

She says the two did not discuss references to Trump in the suspect’s manifesto.

Updated

Asked if she believes one person was responsible for the attacks carried out in each of the two locations, she says authorities are still trying to ascertain the level of involvement of the two other people in custody.

Asked about whether or not a terror charge would be forthcoming, she prefers not to comment, saying it is an operational matter.

Addressing her comments on gun laws, Ardern says the “mere fact” the suspect was able to get a gun licence and get hold of high-powered weapons will mean people will want to see change – and she is committing to supporting that.

She did not, however, go into specifics.

Ardern said the suspect got a category A licence in 2017 and she is advised that he started stockpiling the weapons legally soon afterwards.

Asked if there are any far-right sympathisers on the country’s watchlist, she is vague – referring only to anyone who supports violence – and noting that the government’s work in that area did not bring the suspect to officials’ attention.

Updated

She says the national threat level remains at high and, consequently, increased aviation and border security measures will be in place.

The New Zealand prime minister pays tribute to the emergency services personnel who responded to the incident.

Ardern also says mental health facilities will be provided and has invited anyone who needs help to call or text 1737.

New Zealand to change gun laws

Confirming that the suspect had a licence to have a firearm when the attacks took place in Christchurch, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirms the country’s “gun laws will change”.

Ardern says the suspect used five guns, including semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and was in possession of a gun licence.

Ardern adds that none of the people arrested had a criminal past, nor was any on a watchlist in New Zealand or Australia. The person charged was not known to authorities in connection with far-right violence. She says:

Today, as the country grieves, we are seeking answers.

Ardern says three people have been arrested and confirms that an Australian will appear in court today charged with murder. The person was not a Christchurch resident, but was based in Dunedin – in line with earlier reports.

Enquiries are ongoing about whether or not the other two were involved.

The fourth person was a member of the public in possession of a firearm but was trying to help police and has been released.

Jacinda Ardern is speaking now.

She confirms that 49 people have been killed and says authorities are working to identify them. The injured people have been identified and she says the child transferred to Starship hospital is five-years-old, not four.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a statement in response to the attack in New Zealand:

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in the devastating attack in Christchurch.

We have all been fortunate to spend time in Christchurch and have felt the warm, open-hearted and generous spirit that is core to its remarkable people. No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship.

This senseless attack is an affront to the people of Christchurch and New Zealand, and the broader Muslim community.

It is a horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship.

We know that from this devastation and deep mourning, the people of New Zealand will unite to show that such evil can never defeat compassion and tolerance.

We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone in New Zealand today.

Kia Kaha

And the Prince of Wales has sent the following message to the governor-general of New Zealand:

Both my wife and I were utterly horrified to hear of the most barbaric attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, which resulted in the cruel and tragic loss of so many people’s lives. It is beyond all belief that so many should have been killed and injured at their place of worship and our most special and heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

This appalling atrocity is an assault on all of us who cherish religious freedom, tolerance, compassion and community. I know that the people of New Zealand will never allow hate and division to triumph over these things they hold dear.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families, the first responders, the people of Christchurch and all New Zealanders at this most heartbreaking of times.

Updated

Here’s the full text of the UN Security Council’s statement:

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 March 2019, which resulted in at least 49 killed and many wounded.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government of New Zealand and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the government of the New Zealand and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

Further to that, the office of the UN secretary general, António Guterres, has released this statement:

The secretary general is shocked and appalled at the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. He extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of New Zealand.

The secretary general recalls the sanctity of mosques and all places of worship. He calls upon all people on this holy day for Muslims to show signs of solidarity with the bereaved Islamic community.

The secretary general reiterates the urgency of working better together globally to counter Islamophobia and eliminate intolerance and violent extremism in all its forms.

In London, hundreds of mourners stood in a silence in honour of those who were killed in the New Zealand shootings.

Flowers and candles were laid as night fell on the peaceful gathering at the New Zealand memorial in central London’s Hyde Park.

The vigil’s organiser, Zaharan Sofi, said she spent Friday – her 30th birthday – feeling “very emotional”. Sofi, a corporate accountant of Brixton, in south London, said:

I am a British Muslim and I wanted to make sure that people come together. It is a very important time to bring people together and not to try and divide.

Bringing people together is how you deal with terrorism. In this sensitive time and in our society, it is important that we all know we are human beings first.

The event was aimed at showing solidarity and to provide comfort after the horror of the Christchurch shootings, in which 49 people have died, at two New Zealand mosques.

A minute’s-silence and traditional Moari music were part of the moments of reflection. Hundreds of people, of nationalities including British-based New Zealanders, attended and stood in respectful silence.

A Muslim man named Omar Nabi has appeared at the court and been swarmed by media. He is emotional and says he lost his 71-year-old father, Douad, in the shooting. He wants to take his father back to Afghanistan for burial.

Omar Nabi at the court in Christchurch. From: Eleanor Ainge Roy
Omar Nabi at the court in Christchurch. From: Eleanor Ainge Roy Photograph: Eleanor Ainge Roy/The Guardian

We are not terrorists mate, we are here to help everyone make it to paradise. This is New Zealand and multicultural. It is so calm and relaxed. We are not like this. None of us are like this.

Omar Nabi is an Afghan refugee, whose family fled to New Zealand searching for peace.

We were told this country was paradise ... the feelings I have right now are outrageous.

His father had lived in Christchurch for 45 years. He was a refugee advocate and supported other new arrivals to the city over the decade. Omar said:

49 people got killed, shot in the back while praying. Entering a place of prayer to shoot them is cowardly. Cowardly ... life is a test.

Updated

About two dozen members of local and international media outlets are waiting outside the Christchurch district court house in the central city, which is under guard by armed police.

The accused is expected to face multiple murder charges in the court this morning. Besides the activity at the court house, the city is sombre and largely empty of people and activity, with most Cantabrians heeding police advice to stay out of the centre and remain vigilant for their own safety and that of others.

Updated

A little more on that UN Security Council statement, which was proposed by Kuwait and Indonesia. It reads:

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The council stood to observe a moment’s silence for the victims on Friday.

UN condemns New Zealand attack

The UN Security Council has condemned the “heinous, cowardly” attack in New Zealand, saying that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, according to the Reuters new agency.

Updated

The New Zealand police have just released this update, in which they say one of the two people in a critical condition is a four-year-old child:

Within the last hour, the Guardian has published its editorial on the attack in Christchurch, saying the “threat of violence from far-right extremists has been ignored for too long”.

Politicians have created the swamp for such reptiles. White supremacists in America clearly believe that they have a fellow traveller in the White House. If they are mistaken then Donald Trump has hardly done much to disabuse them of this idea. Others have taken a cue from his overt race-baiting, unable even to resist the urge to whip up Islamophobia in the aftermath of the latest killings. Mr Trump could fill a bath with crocodile tears he has wept. In the US white supremacists and their ilk have killed far more people since 11 September 2001, than any other category of domestic extremist. The threat of violence from far-right extremists has been ignored for too long. In Britain the menace is recognised as so serious the security services have taken charge of it. During the Brexit referendum, a campaign swimming in reaction, a Labour MP was shot and stabbed by a neo-Nazi shouting “Britain first”. New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has understood the threat the mosque attacks pose to her country’s society, imperilling the values New Zealanders cherish most – their solidarity, their sense of community and their feeling of safety. Many of the victims, she said, may be migrants or refugees and “they are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not”. Terrorists seek to divide. In grief and anger, communities must stand together.

Cordons remain in place around much of central Christchurch, including a wide perimeter and police presence around the two affected mosques, inside which it is believed many bodies remain.

A police update this morning has warned residents the risk to Christchurch remains high and told people people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

Sports grounds and usually busy coffee shops and brunch restaurants are closed this morning in the central city and there are few people on the streets as dawn breaks.

In Dunedin, almost two hundred miles southwest of Christhurch, police are moving in on a property that is linked to the Christchurch shooter and the bomb squad are en route, with the armed offenders squad also attending. Local reporters on the scene say they understand the address may be the residence of the shooter.

A vigil is being held in Hyde Park, in London.

Updated

In the livestream broadcast on the Facebook page of Brenton Tarrant, he appears to be listening to a Serb nationalist song in his car on his way to the Christchurch mosques. The song is dedicated to the Bosnian Serb wartime leader, Radovan Karadžić, whose verdict on his appeal against conviction for genocide and crimes against humanity is due next Wednesday.

The organisation, Remembering Srebrenica, which memorialises the 1995 massacre of about 8,000 Muslim and boys, confirmed that the song being played is a nationalist anthem glorifying Karadžić with the lyrics: “Wolves are on the move from Krajina [a Balkan region] Karadžić lead your Serbs, let them see they fear no one”.

Anticipation and apprehension are building among Karadžić’s supporters and victims in advance of next Wednesday’s expected verdict at the Hague war crimes tribunal, which will be the final ruling after a decade of court proceedings.

In March 2016, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia convicted Karadžić of genocide for the Srebrenica massacre and of crimes against humanity for mass killings, hostage-taking and terror.

Candace Owens, the American conservative commentator, has responded to a mention of her name in the gunman’s manifesto. In a series of tweets, she said any depictions of her by media as the inspiration for the attack should be prepared for legal action.

Though the gunman’s manifesto is being widely reported on and quoted from as insight into his background and actions, experts warn against taking it at face value when much of it – indeed, the mention of Owens’ name – might have been calculated.

“It’s a type of trolling,” said Hope Not Hate researcher Patrik Hermansson. “A thing they like to do to cause a lot of outrage – ‘Candace Owens supports genocide’ – to force her acknowledge him and to get attention.

Robert Evans from Bellingcat added: “It is possible, even likely, that the author was a fan of Owens’s videos; she certainly espouses anti-immigrant rhetoric. But, in context, [it] seems likely that his references to Owens were calculated to spark division, and perhaps even violence, between the left and the right.”

What we know

It’s about 7am on Saturday in New Zealand, and the gunman is due to appear in court this morning. If you are just waking up, here is what has happened overnight:

  • Forty-nine people are confirmed dead following the two attacks on Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch.
  • A further 48 are injured and being treated at Christchurch hospital.
  • A 28-year-old Australian citizen is due to appear in the Christchurch district court on Saturday morning.
  • Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have all claimed citizens involved in the attack, though few victims have yet been named. People can register missing persons or themselves as alive at this website.
  • YouTube, Facebook and Twitter struggled to remove video footage of the attack, while media was criticised for hosting it.
  • Images from the gunman’s camera showed weapons and ammunition displaying white-supremacist symbols. His manifesto remains online but commentators have strongly warned against interpreting it too literally.
  • Weapons were found near the mosques where the shooting occurred, while police were at a property in the city of Dunedin linked to the shootings overnight.
  • Mosques have been advised to close their doors until further notice.
  • Many events due to take place in New Zealand today have been cancelled, including the third cricket Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand.
  • Crowdfunding campaigns have already raised nearly NZ $850,000 (£440,000) for victims support.
  • In the UK and the US, police have stepped up patrols in areas with large Muslim populations and around places of worship in direct response to the attack.
  • The Queen, Theresa May, Pope Francis, Donald Trump, and other world leaders expressed sorrow, shock and anger.

Our main news story has been updated with the key developments of the day – you can read that here. I am now handing over to my colleague Kevin Rawlinson. Kia kaha, Aotearoa.

Updated

Jonathan Freedland asks how we can prevent this from happening again:

There are coping strategies for dealing with terrorism and the feeling it is meant to induce, namely terror. One is to tell yourself, it won’t happen to me. Following the massacre of 49 people at prayer in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, many non-Muslims might be saying to themselves, if only in a guilty whisper, “I am not Muslim, I’ll be OK.” Another strategy is to tell yourself, it won’t happen here. That’s hard, though, for if it can happen in a country that has long seen itself as a serene haven, distant from a turbulent world, then it can surely happen anywhere. And still others may fall back on that perennial reassurance: this was just one deranged individual.

The trouble is, that last solace is becoming impossible to sustain.

Updated

Waleed Aly, a prominent Australian journalist and practicing Muslim, has drawn attention for his emotional address on the current affairs programme that he co-hosts, The Project. “Of all the things that I could say tonight – that I am gutted, that I am scared, and that I am filled with utter hopelessness – the most dishonest thing would be to say that I am shocked. I’m simply not. ... Everything we say to try to tear people apart, demonize particular groups, set them against each other, that all has consequences, even if we are not the ones with our fingers on the trigger.”

India’s minister of external affairs, Sushma Swaraj, has just acknowledged the attack:

Updated

The New York Police Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau has asked that New Yorkers remain calm in the face of an increased counterterrorism presence outside mosques and religious institutions in the city. Photos posted to its official Twitter presence show groups of up to six armed police with dogs posted outside the Islamic Cultural Center of New York among other buildings.

James P O’Neill, New York City Police Department commissioner, said earlier that the department was deploying “high-profile resources around our city to keep all worshippers, in every neighborhood, safe – and to keep them feeling safe, too”: “There is no place in our city & the world for hate, whatever form it may take,” he added.

His full statement:

Mulki Abdiwahab, an 18-year-old student at Lincoln University in Christchurch, has given a harrowing account of the massacre to Radio New Zealand. She had just finished praying in the women-only room of Al Noor Mosque with her mother, children and elderly when she heard gunshots.

“I thought at first it must have been somebody banging on the window. My mum grabbed my hand and then we just we ran outside. Everyone was in chaos, just running for their lives. We just kept running, and running. The gunshots kept going on for about a good 10 minutes.”

Abdiwahab’s father was in the men’s room at the time of the shooting; he was now receiving care in hospital, while she and her mother had sought refuge in a residents’ home.

She said she was confused as to why the shooting happened. “It just never would have crossed my mind that any human being would ever want to hurt another human being, it is just really foreign to me. In a place that I felt safe ... but now I’m starting to question [that].”

Suspect's rifle was covered in white-supremacist graffiti

The suspect in the attack on two mosques in Christchurch opened fire on worshippers using rifles covered in white-supremacist graffiti after listening to a song glorifying a Bosnian Serb war criminal.

The gunman, who identified himself as Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old born in Australia, streamed footage live on social media before and during the massacre. It showed him driving to the first mosque while listening to a song idolising Radovan Karadzic, who was jailed for genocide and other war crimes against Bosnian Muslims.

Two of the rifles used in the shooting referenced Ebba Akerlund, an 11-year-old girl who was killed in April 2017 when an Uzbek man, Rakhmat Akilov, rammed his truck into people in Stockholm.

The name Charles Martel, who is hailed by white supremacists for defeating an invading Muslim force at the Battle of Tours in 732, was also displayed on weapons used in the attack.

Nearly NZ $500,000 (£257,500) has already been raised for the victims of Christchurch terror attack. More than 7,400 people have now donated to the crowdfunding page on Givealittle, which was set up by the New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups, the country’s primary support provider for people affected by homicide.

Another campaign, spearheaded by a coalition of New Zealand Islamic groups, has raised nearly NZ $350,000 (£180,000).

The New Zealand website The Spinoff has compiled more ways in which to help grieving Muslim communities.

Updated

London’s Finsbury Park Mosque experienced its own tragedy in June 2017 when Darren Osborne drove into a crowd of worshippers standing on a pavement, killing Makram Ali and injuring nine others. Following news from New Zealand, there were feelings of shock, concern but also defiance among Muslim gathering for Friday prayers tonight.

Corbyn visits the mosque.

“It’s a very sad day, it’s inhumane taking innocent people,” said Benyounes Msaad. “When I saw the video of the attack it was depressing, I wish I didn’t see it. A lot of people probably didn’t come today.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Islington council leader Richard Watts visited the mosque after Friday’s prayers to give their condolences.

Nadeem Badshah reports:

Updated

Foreign ministries around the world are working to determine if – or how many – of their nationals have been killed or injured in the New Zealand attack. All information is the most recent avaiable from Associated Press, but are likely to change:

  • Pakistan’s foreign ministry says four Pakistanis were wounded, while five others are missing after Friday’s attacks.
  • Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan says at least three Turkish citizens have been wounded, and that he has spoken to one of them
  • Indonesia’s foreign ministry says two Indonesians, a father and son, were injured; the father is in intensive care and his son is being treated at the same hospital
  • Bangladesh’s honorary consul in Auckland says three Bangadleshis in New Zealand have been confirmed dead so far. At least four others are injured, two critically – Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan says one person’s leg had to be amputated, and another has gunshot wounds to his chest
  • Malaysia’s foreign ministry says at least two citizens have been injured, but that number is likely to climb. No Malaysian nationals have been counted among the fatalities yet

Extremists hard to identify online 'where everything can be a joke' – expert

The in-joke-filled, irony-laden vocabulary of the far-right online communities that spawned the terror attack in Christchurch on Friday makes it “extremely difficult” to distinguish a sick joke from a deadly serious threat, according to experts on the international far right and online information warfare.

References to “shitposting”, YouTube stars and the 17th century Battle of Vienna are hallmarks of “that online culture where everything can be a joke and extremist content can be a parody and deadly serious all on the same page,” said Ben Nimmo, a researcher at the Atlantic Council. “Distinguishing between the two is extremely difficult.

“You have these communities who routinely practice extreme rhetoric as a joke, so it’s very easy to fit in if you’re a real extremist.”

It also leads to situations where mainstream observers unknowingly aid terrorists by spreading propaganda without recognising it for what it is.

“The way we always have to look at manifestos like this: it’s a PR document, a propaganda document, that’s meant to be analysed, exposed, read and thought about,” said Patrik Hermansson, a researcher at Hope Not Hate. “The more confusing it is, the more it might be spread.”

Renaud Camus’ 2011 book The Great Replacement seems to have inspired the gunman’s 74-page “manifesto” – it certainly served as the title for it. The French far-right polemicist has denounced the murders as “terrorist, terrible, criminal, disastrous and imbecilic”, but conceded the “ethnic substitution” that he argues is taking place in the west could encourage violence.

Camus, 72, told Agence France-Presse that the gunman “cannot claim to have acted according to my writings because I argue the opposite. If he wrote a brochure titled The Great Replacement it’s plagiarism, an abusive use of a phrase that is not his and that he plainly does not understand.”

The essayist, whose “theory” that Europe’s white majority is being steadily replaced by non-white, often Muslim immigrants, is often advanced by far right and anti-immigration figures in France and elsewhere on the continent, was convicted in 2015 of incitement to hatred or violence against Muslims.

Camus told AFP was was “absolutely non-violent. I utterly condemn these acts.” He added, however, that “what worries me most about what I call ‘the great replacement’ is precisely the extent to which it could encourage violence, of all kinds, in everyday life but also – obviously – in acts of terrorism”.

It seemed to him that the gunman was more likely to have been inspired by the Islamist terror attacks carried out in France in the past four or five years, he said: “I do not see what he should be more inspired by me than by acts that directly resemble those he carried out.”

Updated

Theresa May responds: 'To target Muslims is despicable'

Prime minister Theresa May has released a statement, confirming that she has been in touch with New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern over the “horrifying terrorist attack”:

“To target Muslims as they were attending their place of worship is despicable. And our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand, with the families and friends of those who have died in these attacks and with all those who have been injured. The UK stands ready to support New Zealand however we can.

Through terror attacks that have taken place on UK soil we know only too well the pain that such horrifying attacks can cause. As New Zealand has stood by us so we stand shoulder to shoulder with them, and with Muslims in New Zealand, here in the UK and around the world.

There can be no place in our societies for the vile ideology that drives and incites hatred and fear. Together we will defeat those who seek to destroy our values, our way of life and seek to divide us.”

Updated

US President Donald Trump’s extension of “thoughts and prayers” to New Zealand has been rejected by the national civil rights organisation, Muslim Advocates, as “an inadequate response”.

Executive director Farhana Khera highlighted the president’s own role in fanning the flames of Islamophobia across the world, with “historic levels of hate crimes motivated by anti-Muslim bigotry” in recent years.

“In the wake of this heartbreaking, anti-Muslim mass slaughter, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect Muslims and all vulnerable communities from the very real dangers posed by hate and white nationalists. … It is not enough for President Trump to merely send thoughts and prayers. The President called neo-nazis and white nationalists ‘very fine people.’ This hate-filled murderer drew inspiration from Trump, and the white nationalist movement has celebrated Trump’s words and policies.”

The US attorney-general, William P Barr, has issued this statement on behalf of the justice department in Washington, going notably further than the president’s own “God bless all!”:

“Violence on the basis of religion is evil. Today’s attack in New Zealand is a sobering reminder that the threat of political and religious violence is real and that we must remain vigilant against it.”

After the 7 July bombings in London in 2005, Dr HA Hellyer was appointed as deputy convenor of a UK government working group looking at precisely what factors led to people becoming swept up in extremism. Though there were other factors, the group found that ideas and ideology played a significant part:

“we could not simply cast aside the importance of extremist discourse and dogma. ... It would be wrong to minimise the extent to which ideas energised people, and provided their rationalisation for violent acts.

By the same token, it would be outrageous to fail to recognise that the unbridled, nativistic, anti-Muslim bigotry that has become so widespread in our societies has nothing to do with this attack in New Zealand.”

Hellyer has written today for the Guardian’s opinion section:

Lecturer Dr Zurinawati Mohi was near the Malaysian-Thai border en route to Hatyai for work when she was alerted to the attack by a friend, she told the New Straits Times. Her husband, Mohd Nazri Hisham Omar, 46, has lived in Christchurch with three of their children, aged 17, 13 and 9, since January.

“To get confirmation, I immediately called my husband and three children but my calls went unanswered. Not long after that, one of my kids sent me a WhatsApp message telling me their father was injured,” she said.

Zurinawati, 48, said her husband was badly injured in the attack, though she did not know what his condition was in hospital. “Our three children are safe but traumatised following what happened.”

She intends to travel to New Zealand with their eldest son, 19, as soon as possible.

The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington has so far confirmed only one Malaysian citizen among those injured, but the number is expected to rise given the number of nations resident in Christchurch. The foreign ministry of Malaysia condemned “in the strongest terms, this senseless act of terror on innocent civilians” and called for “those responsible for this barbaric crime be brought to justice”.

  • This post was amended on 19 March 2019. An earlier version referred to the Malaysian- Korea border. The correct reference is to the Malaysian- Thai border.

Updated

Another Malaysian national, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, has been identified as injured in the attack. A former classmate told The New Straits Times that Shib, a flight simulator operator, had been at the Al Noor mosque with his wife and two of his four children for Friday night prayers.

When the shooting began, the friend said, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib ran off with his son Hariz and was shot in the back. Hariz is safe, but 17-year-old Haziq is thought to still be unaccounted for. “For now, we can only pray that all will be fine and hope Haziq is found safe,” Shuib’s sister, Zarina Shuib, 53, told the Malay Mail from her home in Hutan Kampung.

Shuib had migrated to New Zealand about 18 months ago after his eldest daughter, 19, was offered a place to study at university there. He and his wife, an academic, had lived in the country once before for about three or four years, according to Zarina Shuib.

So far none of the dead have been formally identified, but relatives of the injured have been speaking to local press in Malaysia and Indonesia, both predominantly Muslim countries.

The Malay Mail has named one of the injured Malaysian nationals as Rahimi Ahmad, in a critical condition on Friday after being shot in the abdomen and spine at the Masjid Al Noor. He was due to undergo more surgery to remove bullets on Saturday.

Ahmad, a technician, moved to New Zealand from Penang four years ago to support his wife, Norazila Wahid, in her studies there. The couple have two children, aged nine and 11. The eldest boy, Ahmad Razif, was also at the mosque compound at the time of the attack but was not thought to be injured, reported the New Straits Times.

“When I heard about the mass shooting, I tried calling my daughter-in-law but I could not contact her,” Ahmad’s mother, Rokiah Mohammad, told the Malay Mail. “I was so worried because he goes to a mosque near his house which looked like the mosque in the news.” Arrangements were being made for her to fly to New Zealand to join the family, along with Ahmad’s elder brother.

The rest of the world is continuing to respond to the horrific attack in Christchurch.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s letter to Trevor Mallard, New Zealand’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, was just shared by the Irish Houses of Parliament on Twitter.

In it Fearghaíl writes that the Irish Parliament “stands shoulder to shoulder with our New Zealand friends at this time of dreadful violence and blind hatred”, and comments on the similarities between the two countries:

While many thousands of miles geographically separate our two small proud nations, the strong bonds of friendship between New Zealand and Ireland are long established and enduring, regularly rejuvenated by fresh waves of Irish and New Zealand citizens ...

The fact that these attacks were on the sincere and quiet expression of religious faith makes them all the more repugnant. These dark forces of violence seek to promote fear and division and to champion terror within tolerant, inclusive and welcoming societies such as New Zealand’s. These dark forces must be challenged at every turn.

Elle Hunt here, taking over the liveblog from Matthew Weaver. The Dominion Post – Wellington’s daily broadsheet, the second largest newspaper in New Zealand – has just posted online the front page of its Weekend edition. Like the New Zealand Herald, it has referenced PM Jacinda Ardern’s reference to the nation’s “darkest days”.

The Nelson Mail, a smaller publication in the South Island city of Nelson, has used a similar shot.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also addressed worshippers at the Finsbury Park mosque in his north London constituency.

Speaking after Friday prayers he said:

“The message I’ve given them is that we’re absolutely shocked and appalled at the killings that have happened in New Zealand and the crazed gunman who has taken the lives of so many innocent people.

“What I just said to Friday Prayers is: an attack on a mosque, an attack on synagogue, an attack on a church, an attack on a temple is an attack on all of us.

So, those people who’ve died in New Zealand, that’s an attack on all of us. The only answer is one of respect for each other, support for each other, and solidarity.”

Jeremy Corbyn leaves Finsbury Park Mosque in London
Jeremy Corbyn leaves Finsbury Park Mosque in London Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the new Democrat congresswoman, has attacked Donald Trump for cutting funding for initiatives designed to tackle white supremacist hate groups.

An Australian senator has been strongly criticised after he blamed the New Zealand shooting on Muslim immigration.

In the wake of the attack, Fraser Anning tweeted: “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?”

In a statement shared by an Australian journalist on Twitter, the Queenslandsenator also wrote: “As always, leftwing politicians and the media will rush to claim that the causes of today’s shootings lie with gun laws or those who hold nationalist views, but this is all cliched nonsense.

“The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”

The remarks were denounced by the UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, who accused the senator of stoking extremism.

Toby Manhire, a New Zealand journalist and a former Guardian staffer, tweets images and videos of children demonstrating in the climate strike to show what New Zealand is really like.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been speaking outside the East London Mosque.

Flanked by the Bishop of London and imams, Khan said:

“We stand here together today in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in New Zealand. Our diversity is a strength. We maybe more than 11,000 miles away from Christchurch but we feel the ripples of hatred. We feel the ripples of fear and we feel the ripples of sorrow for our brothers and sisters in Christchurch.

“This was a terrorist attack on innocent men, women and children. Deliberately targeted because of the faith they belonged to. The place they were worshipping in was deliberated targeted.

“There is a responsibility on all of us to be very careful in the language we use and the messages we amplify. There are some people in our country who fan the flames of hatred. There are some people who demonise and dehumanise people because of the faith they follow. You have a role to play in radicalising people to become terrorists. That’s why it is really important that we demonstrate from London that as far as we are concerned, our diversity is a strength not a weakness. We don’t simply tolerate it we celebrate it, we embrace it and we respect it.

“There will be Muslims in London who will be feeling vulnerable, scared and frightened because they are Muslims. I want to reassure all Muslims and everyone going to a place of worship today and over the course of the next few days, you will be seeing an increased policing around mosques, to reassure you that here in London you are free to be who you want, and worship who you want. It is really important that we as a city don’t allow this terrorist to cower us to change the way we lead our lives.

“We want to be a beacon to the rest of the world to show that whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, whether you are a member of an organised faith, or not, here in London you are welcome. London is open.”

Here’s a detailed guide to the attack on the Al Noor mosque.

Al Noor mosque attack

And the Lindwood Islamic Centre.

Lindwood Islamic Centre

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks to media after laying a wreath outside the New Zealand High Commission in London
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks to media after laying a wreath outside the New Zealand High Commission in London Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

A group of activists calling themselves Turn to Love gathered outside the High Commission of New Zealand in London to promote the idea that “love will win and terror will lose”, PA reports.

They assembled with placards and posters, holding up signs which read “They will not divide us” and “Turn to love for New Zealand”. There was a minute’s silence for the victims.

The group also briefly spoke to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He told them:

“We will not allow these people to divide us, we will stand in solidarity with all those who suffered egregiously in New Zealand.

“We stand together for a world where we respect each other, where we recognise the strength that comes from our diversity.

“And recognise an attack on any one community or any one place of worship, whatever the faith, is actually an attack on all of us.”


Mustafa Field, director of Faith Forums for London, said: “Jeremy sent a really powerful message of solidarity with the Muslim community that the perpetrators will not divide us. We will stand firmly together as Brits with the rest of world.”

Political leaders around the world have expressed their sorrow, shock and anger.

Flowers and a message left at Finsbury Park Mosque in London, following the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand.
Flowers and a message left at Finsbury Park Mosque in London, following the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Flowers and messages of support for the victims of the Christchurch attack have been left at the entrance to the Finsbury Park mosque in North London.

Worshippers at the mosque were targeted in June 2017 in a van attack by the extremist Darren Osborne, which killed Makram Ali and injured several others. Osborne was cited in the manifesto of the suspected Christchurch attacker.

A police officer stands outside Finsbury Park Mosque in London, as local residents, Paul and Barbara Smith, arrive to leave flowers, following the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand.
A police officer stands outside Finsbury Park Mosque in London, as local residents, Paul and Barbara Smith, arrive to leave flowers, following the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Spare the platitudes writes clinical psychologist Masuma Rahim. In an article for Guardian Opinion she says:

Your thoughts and prayers will not save our lives. But the actions of politicians and the media undoubtedly destroy them.

Every single day, people like me are subject to media onslaught. Every single day, we are demonised, both by the people who make our laws and by the people who have significant influence over public opinion. And when I say “we”, I don’t just mean Muslims. Because it’s not just Muslims who are losing their lives at the hands of far-right nationalism. It’s Jews, and Sikhs, and black people. Because when fascism comes to call, it usually doesn’t care what shade of “different” you are. All it knows is that you are different, and it does not like you for it ...

These days we have racists and extremists on mainstream television all the time, and hardly anyone in any position of influence bats an eyelid. Those in power have made their position clear: they will invade our countries of origin and they will plunder our resources, but they don’t want us in their countries. They value our oil but they don’t value us. They dress it up as “free speech” but through their actions hatred has been legitimised, and minorities die because of it. You may disagree, but it is the truth.

So, politicians and the press can keep their platitudes. They’re meaningless unless they’re borne out by action. It’s time to make a stand. Defend our rights. Protect us from terrorism. Use your position to send a clear message that hatred has no place in society. Stop giving a platform to extremists. Stop pretending that white nationalism is not a threat to us all. Have the courage to stand up for our rights as citizens.

Bellingcat, the investigative journalism site, has a warning for those going through the manifesto posted by the suspect:

This manifesto is a trap itself, laid for journalists searching for the meaning behind this horrific crime. There is truth in there, and valuable clues to the shooter’s radicalization, but it is buried beneath a great deal of, for lack of a better word, “shitposting”.

Shitposting is the act of throwing out huge amounts of content, most of it ironic, low-quality trolling, for the purpose of provoking an emotional reaction in less Internet-savvy viewers.

The New Zealand Herald uses Jacinda Ardern’s description of the attack as “New Zealand’s darkest day” for its front page headline.

Jeremy Corbyn’s Twitter feed has this:

The attack will put renewed scrutiny on New Zealand’s gun laws – particularly the debate over restrictions on military-style rifles and high-capacity magazines, which are frequently used in mass shooting attacks worldwide.

Civilians in New Zealand own an estimated 1.2m firearms, according to the 2017 Small Arms Survey. That makes New Zealand’s per capita rate of gun ownership higher than Australia’s, but still far below the US, where there is more than one gun per person in civilian ownership.

The Christchurch shootings highlight “the disparity between New Zealand gun laws and those of other developed nations”, said Philip Alpers, an Australian researcher and the founding director of GunPolicy.org, which tracks gun laws worldwide.

New Zealand’s former prime minister, Helen Clark, has called for tougher gun laws (see earlier).

Speaking to ABC new she said: “I would be surprised if the New Zealand Parliament didn’t accept that challenge head on to strengthen the law. I think we could do better and a tragedy like this brings that forward as a priority.”

What we know so far

  • Forty-nine people have been killed in shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. They included 41 people killed at the Deans Avenue mosque and seven at Linwood mosque. Another victim died later in Christchurch hospital.
  • Christchurch hospital is treating 48 people, including young children, for gunshot wounds. In a statement he said injuries range from critical to minor.
  • A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in Christchurch court tomorrow. The police have not named him.
  • A 28-year-old Australian, who livestreamed himself attacking a mosque, identified himself online before the rampage as Brenton Tarrant. Tarrant posted multiple photos of what appear to be machine gun magazines and a link to what is being described as a manifesto for his actions. New Zealand Police urged people not to share “extremely distressing footage” related to the incident.
  • Tarrant outlines his motivations: including to “create an atmosphere of fear” and to “incite violence” against Muslims while offering up autobiographical details. He also cited actions of other rightwing extremists including the Finsbury Park mosque attacker Darren Osborne and Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Behring Brevik.
  • Two others arrested at the scene with guns are being investigated. A fourth person arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack, according to New Zealand’s police commission Mike Bush.
  • Police have evacuated neighbours of a property in Dunedin linked to the attack. Dunedin, is about 350km (220 miles) south of Christchurch.
  • Several guns have been recovered from both mosques. Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene. One has been disabled.
  • The suspects were unknown to the police. Bush said the attack was “very well planned.” The police remain vigilant but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.
  • Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. She also confirmed it was a “terrorist attack”. Ardern added: “Many directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here...They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”
  • Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier confirmed one of the people arrested was an Australian citizen, and described the suspected attacker as an “extremist right-wing violent terrorist”.
  • Christchurch remains on lockdown. Christchurch’s mayor, Lianne Dalziel, said the city appeared to have been targeted to show nowhere in the world was safe.
  • The attack prompted condemnation from across the world. Pope Francis, the Queen, Donald Trump and Theresa May have all sent messages of support to New Zealand.
  • UK police are stepping up patrols around mosques following the attack. The Muslim Council of Britain called on fellow Muslims to “resist the temptation to roll up the banners in fear”.
  • Some media companies are facing criticism for broadcasting video of the attack. The authorities in New Zealand, Australia and the UK have urged media companies to take down the footage and not to share it.

Updated

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Charles, have added their messages of condolence.

In a statement Prince Charles said:

“Both my wife and I were utterly horrified to hear of the most barbaric attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, which resulted in the cruel and tragic loss of so many people’s lives. It is beyond all belief that so many should have been killed and injured at their place of worship and our most special and heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

This appalling atrocity is an assault on all of us who cherish religious freedom, tolerance, compassion and community. I know that the people of New Zealand will never allow hate and division to triumph over these things they hold dear.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families, the first responders, the people of Christchurch and all New Zealanders at this most heartbreaking of time.

Downing Street is flying the New Zealand flag at half mast.

Downing Street has issued a coded criticism of media companies which have promoted the video of the attack, suggesting they should remove it from their websites.

A Number 10 spokeswoman said: “Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other providers have taken action to remove the video and other propaganda related to the attack. The government has been clear that all companies need to act more quickly to remove terrorist content. There should be no safe spaces for terrorists to promote and share their extreme views and radicalise others.”

The security minister Ben Wallace said that he and the home secretary Sajid Javid would speak to police counter-terrorism leaders and security services later today to discuss further security measures to protect mosques and communities from any UK threat.


“On behalf of the government we send out sincere condolences to the victims and people of New Zealand for their loss, and that they have our offer of any assistance required to deal with this repugnant attack,” Wallace said.

“The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with New Zealand against terrorism and we will not falter in our commitment to up-hold the values of tolerance, religious freedom and democracy that we both hold so dear.”


Wallace said he wanted to assure communities that the government would treat any act of terror the same, no matter the motivation of the perpetrator.

“No-one should be in any doubt that our police and security services treat all threats the same and all terrorists the same no matter what communities, religion or background they come from. A terrorist is a terrorist and we shall deal with them exactly the same.”

Updated

Carl Pomare was driving past the Al Noor mosque with a colleague when he heard gunfire, writes Clea Skopeliti.

Speaking to the BBC News, he said:

“I saw lots of people running outside the mosque, in the same direction as me and they were running for their lives. I said to my colleague, something’s happening here. In the next second there was rapid fire and people were being knocked down like ten-pins. I saw them being hit from behind, I saw them falling to the ground.

“I stopped my vehicle about a hundred metres up the road and we decided we needed to go back and help these guys. We set up a cordon with another car who was luckily also a contractor. We managed to secure that end of the road and we turned and tried to help people.

“My coworker assisted the first people he saw lying on the footpath – there were lots of bodies and there was no sirens, no police or ambulance because this had just happened. So for ten minutes there was no other outside assistance apart from the people that were just there – probably no more than six people, all civilians, just helping these people lying on the ground, fighting for their lives.

“It wasn’t until 15 minutes later the Armed Offenders came in, police couldn’t come in until the armed offenders had and the ambulance couldn’t until they’d secured the area.

“People were begging us take them to hospital but we couldn’t because the ambulances weren’t allowed in. In the end we made a call to get a father and a daughter who were both hurt – the daughter was critical – we got her into a car and managed to get them out pretty quickly, with the father. We don’t know if they survived.

“The gentleman, who my coworker was supporting, passed away in his arms. It was a scene of carnage – we were there for a good 15 or 20 minutes, just civilians, helping these people as much as we could until more support came in.”

YouTube, Facebook and Twitter have been struggling to keep video of the attack offline, with new versions being uploaded as quickly as they can be taken down, while many traditional media sites including MailOnline, the Sun, and the Mirror hosted edited videos of the same footage.

Facebook, where a man claiming to be the attacker livestreamed footage of the shootings, removed the original video about an hour later, but by that time copies of the footage had started to circulate across other social media sites.

Facebook’s community standards explicitly ban “individuals engaged in mass murder” from having a presence on its network, and the company has deleted the account associated with the suspect. But eight hours after the attack videos were still live, obscured behind a warning that they may “show violent or graphic content” but not deleted.

Traditional news outlets have taken starkly different positions. MailOnline’s version of the story features an autoplaying clip of 18 seconds of the suspect’s livestream, showing him leaving his car, weapon in hand, cutting it as he enters the front door of Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue. There was a version of the clip autoplaying on its homepage.

The Sun took a similar approach. A spokesman for the paper told the Guardian: “We recognise that in the aftermath of horrific events such as these there will be sensitivities around reporting, and we take those responsibilities seriously.

Friday noon prayers are a highlight of the week for Muslim communities, a time when worshippers pack into tight rows inside mosques. At Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, it was “calm and quiet” before the imam’s sermon on Friday. “You could hear a pin drop,” said one worshipper.

The peace was shattered by gunfire that left dozens of people dead. Three miles away at the Linwood Islamic Centre, there was another scene of horror. Within hours, police had ordered mosques across New Zealand to lock their doors, and community leaders appealed for calm.

Mustafa Farouk, the president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (Fianz), said the organisation was “seeking the prayers and support of all New Zealanders for the victims of this senseless attack. We ask our Muslim brothers and sisters to remain calm and display common sense. We are resolved to maintain cohesion and peace among all New Zealanders.”

New Zealand’s most recent census, in 2013, found 1.1% of the population of 4.25 million was Muslim. Almost half of the population identified with a Christian religion, and a growing proportion – more than 40% – said they had no religion.

Pope Francis
Pope Francis Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis denounced the “senseless acts of violence” in the attack, AP reports.

In a telegram of condolences, Francis offered his solidarity and prayers to the injured and those who are mourning lost loved ones, and noted that it was a particularly difficult time for security and emergency personnel.

He said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the injury and loss of life cause by the senseless acts of violence at two mosques in Christchurch, and he assures all New Zealanders, and in particular the Muslim community, of his heartfelt solidarity in the wake of these attacks.”

The message sent by the Vatican secretary of state ended by saying: “Commending those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God, Pope Francis invokes the divine blessings of comfort and strength upon the nation.”

Donald Trump has added this message of sympathy to the people of New Zealand.

Users of the far-right message board, where the main suspect in the shooting announced his attack, have a long history of courting extremism.

Founded in 2013, 8Chan was created as a splinter of the better-known 4Chan image board, after the latter began cracking down on posts supporting the antifeminist “Gamergate” movement.

In the years since, the site, described by its founder as a “free-speech-friendly” 4Chan alternative, has become notorious for not only hosting one of the most active white supremacist communities on the internet, but also for legal battles over users who post images of child sexual abuse on the site, and links to illegal content elsewhere.

In 2018, 8Chan became the main home of the QAnon conspiracy group, which believes that the “deep state” is conspiring to prevent Donald Trump from achieving his goals as president.

The politics subforum of 8chan, known as /pol/, is the home of the site’s white supremacist community. It is there that the attacker posted news of his intention to go on a shooting spree, writing “it’s time to stop shitposting and time to make a real life effort post”.

The announcement was received with glee from users on the site, who wished the terrorist “best of luck” and said they “can’t wait to see the news reports”. Some did express concern that the news would result in 8Chan getting shut down, although one noted that a ban “would force us to start working IRL”.

Updated

Farid Ahmed
Farid Ahmed Photograph: AAP

Farid Ahmed a senior member of Al Noor mosque in Christchurch explained how the attack unfolded, writes Clea Skopeliti

Speaking to the BBC, he said:

“I was inside the mosque, in the side room and the Imam had started the sermon so everyone was settled, it was very peaceful calm and quiet as usual.

“Then suddenly the shooting started. It started in the main room, so I did not see who was shooting but I saw that people were running out through the room that I was in and I saw that some people had blood on their bodies and were limping.

“At that moment I realised that it was really serious - a couple of people said to me, you’re in a wheelchair, you’ve got to get out now and I pushed myself to the back where my car was parked and I was behind the car.

“From there, I was hearing the shooting, the shooting, the shooting. It went on about six minutes or more.

“I could hear screaming and crying. I saw some people drop dead, some running away. I couldn’t because I was in the wheelchair, and also I didn’t want to - I was afraid of what was going to happen to the ladies, what was going to happen to my wife.”

Downing Street has urged social media companies to act quickly to remove the video purporting to show a livestream of the attack.

New Zealand’s former prime minister, Helen Clark, has called for tougher gun laws.

Speaking to ABC new she said:

We do have gun control. People have to be fit and proper persons to have guns, but undoubtedly the law can be strengthened and improved. Personally, I would be surprised if the New Zealand Parliament didn’t accept that challenge head on to strengthen the law. I think we could do better and a tragedy like this brings that forward as a priority.

She also praised her successor’s statement.

I think Jacinda Ardern has struck exactly the right note. Firstly, it is a note of deep empathy, with families and a community which is in grief and shock. But she has also pointed to the police response. Knowing Jacinda Ardern, she will want to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this. And to know what New Zealand needs to do better to stop it ever happening again.

Updated

UK police are stepping up patrols around mosques following the attack, PA reports.

Officers will be deployed to provide reassurance as Muslims attend Friday prayers around the country.

They will also liaise with places of worship about their protective security measures. National policing lead for counter-terrorism Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said:

“Together with our intelligence partners we continually monitor the varied threats we face, including to and around places of worship and specific communities across the country, to ensure we have the most appropriate protective security measures in place to keep people safe.

“Today we will be stepping up reassurance patrols around mosques and increasing engagement with communities of all faith, giving advice on how people and places can protect themselves.”


West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward said officers will be engaging with key religious buildings to reassure local people. He added:

“We will continue to work closely together and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.

“For us the focus now is the protection of those we serve in the West Midlands. As we are all very aware we face a sustained and determined threat to our security.”

The Muslim Council of Britain called on the Government to redouble efforts to ensure mosques are protected (see earlier).

This map shows the key locations in the Christchurch attack – the two mosques and Brougham Street were one of the suspects was arrested.

Christchurch shooting map

Updated

The Queen has sent a message of her condolences.

Mahmood Naseur told TV New Zealand he was forced to hide from the shooter.

We heard the firing and it was from the main entrance of the building, and then everybody just ran toward the back doors, just to save themselves. First we hid behind the cars and under the cars and then we saw the firing was still going on.

We tried to jump the fence, and then we hid in the next house to the mosque. One person we saw was hit with a bullet in her hand and her arm. And when the firing stopped, I just have a look from over the fence, there was one guy changing the gun in the driveway next to the mosque, and he just took the gun and then started firing again.

After that, when the police came, they asked us to come outside, but we stayed there for 10, 15 minutes. We saw many injured and a lady, lying on the road.

Here’s the start of our latest news story:

Forty-nine people have been shot dead and 48 injured in attacks at two mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand’s history.

The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said this was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days” as police uncovered explosive devices attached to cars and commissioner Mike Bush urged all mosques across the country to close their doors for the time being.

One explosive had been safely detonated and another was in the process of being dismantled, Bush said, but the situation was still “evolving” with a real possibility of further offenders being explored. New Zealand’s entire police arsenal and personnel were deployed throughout the country and en masse in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, which is known to have an active white-supremacist subculture.

Hotels in the inner city stationed security guards at their entrances, and armed police continued to protect landmarks of significance, including the courthouse and Christchurch hospital, which is believed to have been a further target of the suspected terrorist group, with a Christchurch spokesperson telling local media police were concerned the group had plans to target the victims of the mosque attack as they were transported to hospital.

Mohan Ibrahim has told the BBC that he survived the attack on the mosque by climbing out of a window.

The Spanish government has added its voice to the global chorus of condemnation.

“The Spanish government forcefully condemns the terrorist attack committed today against two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, with the tragic loss of at least 49 lives and the wounding of many more people,” it said in a statement.

“As well as wishing a swift recovery to the injured, the government offers its most sincere condolences to the friends and relatives of the victims , as well as to the people and government of New Zealand, a close ally in the shared fight against extremism and terrorism.”

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said the British High Commission in Wellington is in contact with the New Zealand authorities about the incident.

“British nationals in the area are advised to remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities,” he said. “The British High Commission in Wellington is in contact with the New Zealand authorities and urgently seeking further information.”

It has also updated its travel advice on New Zealand. It says:

There has been a series of shootings in multiple locations in Christchurch. If you are in the area are advised to remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. The British High Commission in Wellington is in contact with the New Zealand authorities and urgently seeking further information. Anyone worried that a British national may have been affected should call the New Zealand Police hotline: (+64) 0800 115 019 from within New Zealand or register with the Restoring Family Links (RFL) website from overseas.

Police evacuate neighbours of property linked to attack

New Zealand police say they are evacuating neighbours of a property in Dunedin linked to the attack.

Dunedin, is about 350km (220 miles) south of Christchurch.

Updated

The Muslim Council of Britain has joined international condemnation of the attack and called for more police protection at UK mosques.

Harun Khan, its secretary general, said:

“This is the most deadly Islamophobic terrorist attack we have experienced in recent times.”

“My condolences to the families affected. As the rest of us prepare to undertake our own Friday prayers today, we do so with the anxiety as to whether our mosques and communities are safe in the face of unabated Islamophobia and hostility against Muslims.

“I call on our government to redouble its efforts to ensure mosques are protected, and call on fellow Muslims to resist the temptation to roll up the banners in fear, as this attack was designed to do.”

Here's what we know so far

  • Forty-nine people have been killed in shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. They included 41 people killed at the Deans Avenue mosque and seven at Linwood mosque. Another victim died later in Christchurch hospital.
  • Christchurch hospital is treating 48 people, including young children, for gunshot wounds. In a statement he said injuries range from critical to minor.
  • A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in Christchurch court tomorrow. The police have not named him.
  • A 28-year-old Australian who livestreamed himself attacking a mosque identified himself online before the rampage as Brenton Tarrant. Tarrant posted multiple photos of what appear to be machine gun magazines and a link to what is being described as a manifesto for his actions. New Zealand Police urged people not to share “extremely distressing footage” related to the incident.
  • Tarrant outlines his motivations: including to “create an atmosphere of fear” and to “incite violence” against Muslims while offering up autobiographical details. He also cited actions of other rightwing extremists including the Finsbury Park mosque attacker Darren Osborne and Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Behring Brevik.
  • Two others arrested at the scene with guns are being investigated. A fourth person arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack, according to New Zealand’s police commission Mike Bush.
  • Several guns have been recovered from both mosques. Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene. One has been disabled.
  • The suspects were unknown to the police. Bush said the attack was “very well planned.”The police remain vigilant but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.
  • Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. She also confirmed it was “terrorist attack”. Ardern added: “Many directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here...They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”
  • Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier confirmed one of the people arrested was an Australian citizen, and described the suspected attacker as an “extremist right-wing violent terrorist”.
  • Christchurch remains on lockdown. Christchurch’s mayor, Lianne Dalziel, said the city appeared to have been targeted to show nowhere in the world was safe.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has called for solidarity in the aftermath of the shooting.

Speaking to TV New Zealand she said:

Obviously I’ve been very close to migrant communities in Christchurch. I was a member of Parliament, minister of immigration. I’ve had a very long and close association with many people, with many Muslim people ... The family and friends of all of those who have been affected today, just my heart goes out to you. I know that people around the world have been reaching out to me this afternoon to pass on their love and support and caring for the situation that we find ourselves in.

It looks as if this was a very deliberate, cold, hard and deliberate, decision to undertake this attack in the first place. But to choose Christchurch to prove to the world that nowhere was safe, and to choose Christchurch in that way, I guess, shows the randomness ... The act of terrorism is designed to cause terror and the only way that we can combat that force is to join together and to care for each other across religious lines, every line that you can imagine that we divide ourselves by. We’ve got to make this unite us, not divide us.

Earlier, Dalziel posted this video message on Facebook.

Updated

Tarrant's manifesto cites Finsbury Park mosque attacker

Tarrant’s extremist manifesto also cites ‘Darren Osbourne’ an apparent reference to Darren Osborne who was jailed for life for his murderous attack on Muslims at London’s Finsbury Park mosque in June 2017.

It said: “I support many of those that take a stand against ethnic and cultural genocide. Luca Traini, Anders Breivik, Dylan Roof, Anton Lundin Pettersson, Darren Osbourne etc.”

Osborne was convicted of murdering Makram Ali and the attempted murders of other people in the attack. The judge said he attacked innocent people, but his particular choice to target a group wearing traditional Islamic dress reflected his “ideology of hate towards Muslims”.

Updated

Rightwing extremist 'Brenton Tarrant' wrote manifesto before livestreaming shooting

The man who livestreamed himself attacking a Christchurch mosque and murdering at least 40 people identified himself online before the rampage as Australian citizen Brenton Tarrant.

On a now-deleted Twitter account, Tarrant posted multiple photos of what appear to be machine gun magazines and a link to what is being described as a manifesto for his actions.

The 74-page document starts off quoting a Dylan Thomas poem, Do not go gentle into that good night, and then moves onto a rant about white genocide.

Tarrant outlines his motivations: including to “create an atmosphere of fear” and to “incite violence” against Muslims while offering up autobiographical details.

Tarrant, an Australian citizen who is believed to come from the northern New South Wales town of Grafton, entitles his document ‘The Great Replacement’

Here are the key points from the New Zealand police commissioner’s press conference:

  • 49 people were killed in the attack, including 41 at Deans Avenue mosque and seven at Linwood mosque. Another victim died in hospital.
  • A man in his late 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in Christchurch court tomorrow.
  • Two others arrested at the scene with guns are being investigated. A fourth person arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack.
  • Several guns have been recovered from both mosques. Two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene. One has been disabled.
  • The suspects were unknown to the police.
  • The police remain vigilant but are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.

Updated

Here’s more of transcript of the press conference via the Australian TV transcription site TVeeder.

Q: Are you in search of any other suspect?

We never assume that there aren’t other people involved. That’s why we’ve got immense presence out there across Canterbury and right across New Zealand, but we don’t have named or identified people that we’re looking for, but it would be wrong to assume that there is no-one else.

Q: So you’re not actively looking for any other shooter at this stage?

At this point, we are not actively looking for any identified persons.

Q: How many day, weeks, month, in the planning do you think this attack was?

I couldn’t tell you, but I think - I don’t need to tell you, this is a very well-planned event.

Q: Was explosives on the body of one of the attackers?

So I’m aware of that commentary as well. What I can say is that that person may have suggested that. We have eliminated that as a possibility. There was not - we’ve also talked about IED devices on two vehicles. I would like to clarify that and say that there were possibly two IDs on one vehicle and we’ve disabled one and we’re in the process of disabling the other, with the assistance of the Defence Force deaf.

Q: Do controlled explosions have anything to do with this investigation?

We believe not, but of course there is a real heightened sense out there in the communities.

People are being very vigilant and I congratulate them and we’ve dealt with that. Two bags that have left, they have been detonated and we don’t believe they are any further threat.

Q: Are you concerned that this event could be coordinated - there could be other events coming?

We don’t have any information to that extent, but it’s always important to take preventative precautions and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Q: Was Christchurch Hospital targeted?

No, I think there was some early reporting of that, but it was confused with the fact that 40 people were taken there very quickly for emergency medical treatment, and it was not targeted.

Q: Obviously mosques are closed and synagogues should close, is that true?

I’m not aware that have advice, but we’re giving everyone advice to be very vigilant and take care of yourselves and report anything that you might find suspicious so we can respond immediately.

Q: Were police aware that there was a suggestion that an attack could have been planned for StPatrick’s Day?

I don’t have any intelligence to that effect.

Q: How many police are currently in Christchurch?

Well, they have a force of over 1,000.

Updated

Here’s a partial transcript of the Q&A with reporters.

Q: Why were these people not on a security watch list? Were they completely unknown to police?

That’s a very good question. What I want to tell you is that no agency had any information about these people, and I can also tell you that I’ve been in contact with my Australian colleagues - they have no information on them at all either. And they are assisting with our inquiries. But I can also add that part of our investigation will be to look back at every possibility to ensure that we, in law enforcement and security, didn’t miss any opportunities to prevent this horrendous event.

Q: Who carried out the shootings at Deans Avenue mosque? Was it the same person who carried out the shootings at Linwood?

Look, I would love to go into detail, but a person has been charged. For me to now go into details of who did what would not be proper.

Again, I know there is a name within the public domain, but it would be improper for me now to confirm that because a person has been charged.

Q: There was a threat on Facebook - on a Facebook page made towards the Islamic community. Are you aware that, that police had an early warning of this attack?

I’m aware of that suggestion which we’re working through at the moment. When I have absolute clarity about that, I will be sharing that.

Here’s a transcript of Bush’s opening statement:

At the Deans Avenue mosque, we now know that 41 people have lost their lives. And at the Linwood mosque, 7 have lost their lives. Of the 40 people who have been treated at Christchurch Hospital, one has now passed. So the total number of people who have died in thishorrendous event are 49.

And our hearts go out to them and all of their families, all of their friends, all of their loved ones, and I want to assure everyone that we will do our best for them

I would like to also add that so far one person, a male in his late 20s, has been charged with murder, and should appear in the Christchurch Court tomorrow morning.

Three other people were apprehended. We believe one of those persons who was armed and was at the scene may have had nothing to do with this incident, and the two other people that have been apprehended, again in possession of firearms in the general environment, we are working through to understand what their involvement is.

We have recovered a number of firearms from both of the scenes, Linwood Avenue and Deans Avenue.

I would like to assure everyone around New Zealand that every available police and emergency resource with our other government agencies and Defence Force are doing everything they can to keep our communities safe.

We have had no other threats since we responded to this incident. We are working with a wide range of community to give support to everyone who needs it.

We have staff around the country ensuring that everyone is kept safe and that includes our armed defenders and special tactics groups right across the country being very vigilant and having a presence around all of our mosques, to ensure nothing further occurs. As I said, this is an evolving situation.

We will continue to bring you as much information as we possibly can. I will answer your questions in a minute if I can, but before I do, I would like to communicate the 0800 number for people to call for more information, especially around their loved ones, and that number is 0800115019.

I would also like to commend - and some of you would have seen the brave actions on social media of police staff who responded to this incident - they have gone above and beyond their communities to apprehend at least one of these offenders. So I take my hat off to all of my staff.

I’m extremely proud of what they have done to date. Thank you.

Bush refuses to name the suspected attacker. He said as the individual had been charged it would not be proper to confirm the name.

49 people killed

New Zealand’s police commissioner, Mike Bush, says the number of people killed has increased to 49 after one of the victims died in hospital.

A man has been charged with murder and will appear in court tomorrow.

One of those arrested may have had nothing to do with the attack, Bush said. The two other people arrested in possession of firearms are still being investigated.

Updated

Before the shooting starting, the Al Noor mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch was “peaceful, calm and quiet”.

“As it is when the sermon starts, you could hear a pin drop,” a man identified as Ramzan told reporters on Friday.

Then about 1.40pm during afternoon prayers, gunfire broke out.

“It started in the main room ... I was in the side room, so I didn’t see who was shooting but I saw that some people were running out to my room where I was in, I saw some people had blood on their body and some people were limping,” Ramzan told reporters.

“It was at the moment I realised things were really serious.”

Forty people have been confirmed dead after shootings at two mosques Christchurch on Friday. Three suspects – including at least one Australian – are in custody and multiple explosive devices have been found attached to cars in the city.

Theresa May has expressed her condolences.

Police in New South Wales say there has been no specific threat to any mosque in Sydney or elsewhere in the state. In a statement it added:

Police have increased patrols and senior officers have also reached out to community and religious leaders across the state to provide support and reassurance.

NSW Police Force will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of all members of the community and everyone should continue to go about their business without fear.

48 people treated for gunshot wounds

Christchurch hospital is treating 48 people, including young children, for gunshot wounds, according to David Meates, Chief Executive, Canterbury District Health Board.

In a statement he said injuries range from critical to minor.

It said:

Twelve operating theatres are currently in use and due to the nature of some of the injuries, many people will need multiple surgeries. There is sufficient capacity and staff at Christchurch Hospital and the police cordon has been lifted from the site, so people who need emergency health care can now attend the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department.

We have asked for some national services, which are usually provided in Christchurch, to be diverted to other centres e.g spinal cord injury service. We are grateful for the offers of support from other DHBs and from our staff who have offered to work longer shifts, with many volunteering to come in and help.

Around 200 family members are on site awaiting news of their loved ones. Together with police we are providing support to these people.

Unless it’s essential, we ask that people don’t come to visit patients Christchurch Hospital, as we are trying to reduce the numbers of people on the hospital site.

We have representatives from the mosque and the Muslim community with us, and interpreters to assist with communications.

Women due to give birth have been contacted by the maternity team to advise them they should go to one of our community maternity units unless they need hospital level care. Lead Maternity Carers and midwives have been informed of this.

Once we have provided for the medical needs of those injured, and the wellbeing of their families and whanau, we will be able to focus on the psychosocial wellbeing of our wider Canterbury community.

We envisage we will see an increasing demand for wellbeing support over the coming days and weeks as the reality and enormity of what has happened in our city today sinks in.

Christchurch Hospital
Christchurch Hospital Photograph: Kurt Langer/Getty Images

New Zealand police commissioner, Mike Bush, is due to give another update in about 30 minutes at 9pm local time.

What we know so far

  • Forty people been killed and 20 injured in a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, which occurred during afternoon prayers.
  • Three people – one of them an Australian-born man – are in custody.
  • It was described as “a terrorist attack” by NZ prime minister Jacinda Ardern, and an “extremist, right-wing violent terrorist [attack]” by Australian prime minister Scott Morrison.
  • Christchurch remains on lockdown.
  • Ardern said: “Many directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here...They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not.”
  • The attacker is believed to have livestreamed at least one of the attacks. Police urged people not to share the “distressing” footage, which many Australian news outlets ignored.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK said they were not aware of any Britons caught up in the attack, writes Nadeem Badshah.

A spokesman said no Britons have come to our attention.

Hamzah Noor Yahaya, a survivor of the shootings at Al Noor mosque, stands in front of Christchurch Hospital and waits to be picked up by his wife.
Hamzah Noor Yahaya, a survivor of the shootings at Al Noor mosque, stands in front of Christchurch Hospital and waits to be picked up by his wife. Photograph: Kai Schwörer/Getty Images

Flags will be at half-mast in Australia today, and buildings in Melbourne will be lit up in tribute, according to the Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews.

The UK foreign minister, Jeremy Hunt, also issued a message:

Another update from that earlier Ardern press conference – the number of people in custody is currently three. Earlier in the day, police said they had four people in custody. There was no further information provided as to why that number changed.

Prime Minister Jacinda Aredrn speaks to media during a press conference at Parliament on March 15.
Prime Minister Jacinda Aredrn speaks to media during a press conference at Parliament on March 15. Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Updated

New Zealand police have conducted a controlled detonation at Auckland’s largest train station, the Britomart Transport Centre.

The bomb squad attended the station 40 minutes ago, and cordoned off the area. Just minutes ago an explosion was heard. Authorities told local media it was a controlled detonation.

New Zealanders are beginning to arrive with flowers and tributes as dusk falls on Christchurch.

“New Zealand is with you,” said a woman who dropped off lillies. “New Zealand stands by you”.

New Zealanders are beginning to arrive with flowers and tributes as dusk falls on Christchurch. “New Zealand is with you.” said a woman who dropped off lillies. “New Zealand stands by you”
New Zealanders are beginning to arrive with flowers and tributes as dusk falls on Christchurch. “New Zealand is with you.” said a woman who dropped off lillies. “New Zealand stands by you” Photograph: Eleanor Ainge Roy/The Guardian
Family members waiting to get access after the Christchurch shooting.
Family members waiting to get access after the Christchurch shooting. Photograph: Eleanor Ainge Roy

Hassan, 29, lives behind the mosque on Dale street and was at the Linwood mosque when the shooting began. Hassan heard shooting in the mosque and women screaming “don’t come here” at the shooters. Police came within 5 to 10 minutes.

The shooter was screaming, waving the gun around wildly and firing it in every direction. He then left the mosque. Hassan is from Sri Lanka and has lived in New Zealand for 6 months. He came to New Zealand for work and opportunities.

“I thought New Zealand was a safe, peaceful country for everyone. I came here because I knew there were no wars. Police told me ‘I am sorry, this is the first time this has ever in this country.’ I don’t know who is dead or alive. I am waiting.”

New Zealand’s threat level has been raised from low to high, Ardern confirms.

Pakistan’s prime minister, Imran Khan, has issued a statement:

And the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan:

“This is not who we are. This act was not a reflection of who we are as a nation,” Ardern says. “It will take time to heal and tonight our thoughts and our prayers need to be with those affected.”

Of the confirmed 40 people killed, 30 were killed at Al Noor mosque and 10 killed at Linwood mosque. That 10 figure includes three people who were outside Linwood Avenue mosque at the time.

Ardern says none of the suspects were on security or terrorism watchlists.

Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand was “chosen for this act of violence” because it is an example of multiculturalism, diversity and acceptance.

“We New Zealanders were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone this racism, or because we are an enclave of extremism, we were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things,” she said.

“I want to send a message to those directly affected...For many this may have not been the place they were born. For many New Zealand was their choice, a place they actively came to and committed themselves to...it was a place where many came to for their safety. A place where it was safe to practice their culture and religion.

“We represent diversity and compassion, a home for those who share our values, a refuge for those who need it. And those values will not and can not be shaken by this attack. We are a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.”

She issues “the strongest possible condemnation of the ideology of the people who did this”.

“You may have chosen us but we utterly reject and condemn you.”

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks on live television following fatal shootings at two mosques in central Christchurch.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks on live television following fatal shootings at two mosques in central Christchurch. Photograph: News 1

Updated

“This can only be described as a terrorist attack,” Ardern says.

“While we do not have anything to believe at this stage that there were any other suspects, we are not assuming that at this stage”.

40 dead, 20 injured

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed 40 people have died in today’s shooting, with 20 injured.

Morrison has more comments, saying Australian police are now investigating.

“[One shooter] is an Australian born citizen. That obviously leads to an Australia-based investigation.”

“There is no information to suggest any Australians have been killed in this terrorist attack, but it is very early on,” he said.

Updated

15-year-old schoolgirl Kerry is stuck by the cordon and can’t get home. She is feeling tired, exhausted and hungry.

“I am feeling sad about this, why do people have to do this? We moved here from South Africa to be safer. And stuff like this happens in South Africa.”

“Why does this happen to people innocently praying?” she asks.

Kerry lives behind the mosque. People jumped into her street to escape, running from the bullets. “I am so sorry,” Kerry says to victims waiting for their family. “I am so so sorry.”

Mohammed was in the mosque when the shooting started. 400 people were gathered for Friday prayer. The shooting started at 1.45pm.

Mohammed heard shooting and screaming and thought something had blown up in the kitchen. Mohammed grabbed his nephew and ran for the back exit. Mohammed’s nephew, aged 33, is still inside, uninjured. He has had no food or water.

“I am happy that I am alive. I am new to New Zealand and at the mosque you find your friends and family. They are after the Muslims. They only see religion.”

Police have given no indication when the remaining people inside the mosque will be released. A small group of Christchurch residents have gathered to support the victims as they wait for their families.

“I am so sorry this happened to you in our country, this should never happened,” one said.

Mohammed says he feels very afraid in New Zealand. “We are not safe anymore, where are we safe now?”

Morrison also condemned the shooting as “a right-wing extremist attack” and offered his support to Muslims.

“I particularly want to express my sincere prayers and thoughts to those New Zealanders and Australians of Islamic faith today, who have been the victims of this callous right-wing extremist attack,” he said.

“As family members with our New Zealand cousins today, we grieve, we are shocked, we are appalled, we are outraged, and we stand here and condemn absolutely the attack that occurred today by an extremist right wing violent terrorist.”

One shooter was Australian-born citizen

Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, has just confirmed that the shooter who was taken into custody was an “Australian-born citizen”.

He says Australian authorities are now involved in investigations as a result of this.

Updated

The American Muslim civil rights group Muslim Advocates has released this statement:

“Over the past few years, there has been an epidemic of attacks and planned attacks on Muslim communities and mosques across the United States...the American Muslim community has faced deadly attacks in recent years, but rarely have we witnessed such brutal carnage as today’s tragedy in New Zealand.”

While we have no confirmation from the police beyond “multiple fatalities”, the New Zealand media have consistently been reporting unconfirmed estimates that fatalities are between 9 and 30, with 40 people injured.

We will provide updates with the latest confirmed figures as soon as they are available.

Updated

All flights from Dunedin to Christchurch have been cancelled.

We are being told there is no capacity to screen baggage at the airport at the moment, and that services could be disrupted for days potentially. The airline staff sound shocked and sad. No one here blames them. This is just a tragic day.

Updated

Indonesia’s foreign minister has conveyed her condolences.

Retno Marsudi had earlier said six Indonesians were inside the mosque when the shooting occurred, with three managing to escape and three unaccounted for, according to Reuters.

At Dunedin airport, where people are waiting for their Christchurch flight, travellers are gathered in front of the television in the airport lounge listening to police commissioner Mike Bush.

People are sombre and sad, and being kind to each other as Bush says this is taking all police resources. With many businesses in lockdown, travellers here are unsure what they will arrive to on the other end – but all thoughts here are with those killed and their families.

Updated

Rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has recorded an emotional message about today’s shooting.

The All Blacks have also expressed their condolences.

Today’s shooting will put renewed scrutiny on New Zealand’s gun laws – particularly restrictions on military-style rifles and high-capacity ammunition magazines, which are frequently used in mass shooting attacks.

Civilians in New Zealand own an estimated 1.2 million firearms, according to the 2017 Small Arms Survey. That puts New Zealand’s per capita rate of gun ownership higher than Australia’s, but still far below the United States, where there is more than one gun per person in civilian ownership.

Over the past year, New Zealand has had renewed debate over what police have called loopholes in the way military-style semi-automatic rifles are defined by law. Possession of these “MSSA” rifles is supposed to be subject to a higher level of scrutiny from the police, and there are only about 15,000 registered military-style rifles in civilian hands, as of last year.

But because of the way “military-style” rifles are defined by law, guns with slightly different features but virtually the same function can fall outside of the stricter regulations. Both police and firearms enthusiasts noted that a rifle could be transformed into a “MSSA” simply by adding a larger-capacity ammunition magazine.

A briefing document sent to New Zealand police minister complained that gaps in the law had already been exploited in violent incidents, and noted that “Purchase of high-capacity magazines is unregulated and does not require a firearms license,” news website Stuff.co.nz reported.

In 1997, an overview of New Zealand gun laws commissioned by police officials recommended that MSSA rifles be banned and subject to a mandatory buyback.

Updated

Supermarkets have been closed in Christchurch tonight, and services such as Uber have also cancelled operations.

“Christchurch is in lockdown tonight,” a reporter tells TVNZ.

All mosques have been told to shut their doors, but police note that this is just precautionary.

Updated

Central Christchurch is close to deserted. The few people walking around look dazed. Parks, thoroughfares and usually crowded inner city streets have fallen silent.

Strangers are gathering in pubs and on street corners, asking each other if they are OK and talking through how and when they will get home and get their children.

Naaman Zhou here, taking over from Kate Lyons.

Bill Shorten, the Australian opposition leader, is now speaking about the Christchurch attacks.

He says he feels sorry for parents as they have to explain the day’s events to their children, and has urged people to follow the advice of New Zealand police: “Do not allow this evil into our lives. Do not share the footage. Do not watch the footage. This is not part of normal life. The people who committed this atrocity want the attention. Do not normalise this.”

Updated

Hilary hid in a glass house when he heard shots fired.
Hilary hid in a glass house when he heard shots fired. Photograph: Eleanor Ainge Roy/The Guardian

American tourist Hilary hid in a glass house in the Botanic Gardens after shots were heard.

“This isn’t meant to happen in New Zealand. I came here to see the gardens. It is meant to be safe here. This is the last thing you expect from New Zealand. They said it was the safest country on earth.”

Mike, a Christchurch resident, says the event will change how New Zealanders feel about their home forever.
Mike, a Christchurch resident, says the event will change how New Zealanders feel about their home forever. Photograph: Eleanor Ainge Roy/The Guardian

Christchurch resident Mike has just emerged from lockdown in central Christchurch.

“I am terrifed,” he said. “This is not what New Zealand is about. It’s just crap. I am horrified. This will change how kiwis feel about their home forever.”

School lockdown has ended, but residents encouraged to stay indoors

Authorities have confirmed that the school lockdown has ended.

Arrangements through the Australian and New Zealand counter-terrorism committee have been activated, according to Queensland police.

They say there is “no credible intelligence of any attack imminent or otherwise in Queensland” but added they have activated all their current counter-terrorism capabilities.

The Los Angeles police department is providing extra patrols around mosques “out of an abundance of caution”.

Updated

Police commissioner Mike Bush speaks to media during a press conference at Royal Society Te Aparangi about the Christchurch shooting.
Police commissioner Mike Bush speaks to media during a press conference at Royal Society Te Aparangi about the Christchurch shooting. Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

A few more lines from the press conference from police commissioner Mike Bush.

Bush was asked about the video that is circulating online, which purports to show the attack from the perspective of the shooter. This video is very graphic and unverified and Bush said police were doing everything in their power to get the video taken down from the website: “It’s very disturbing, it shouldn’t be in the public domain,” he said.

He also said: “Let’s not assume the danger is gone” and said he couldn’t discuss whether the four people who were arrested were known to police. “That detail will unfold in the next few days.”

More reaction from Australian politicians:

A Malaysian was among those wounded during a shooting at two mosques in the city of Christchurch, Malaysia’s high commission in New Zealand said on Friday.

“So far, one Malaysian is confirmed injured and currently receiving treatment at the hospital,” the commission said on its Twitter account.

Multiple fatalities were inflicted when at least one gunman opened fire on worshippers at the mosques.

Updated

The police did not confirm how many people were killed in the attacks. We are still waiting for official confirmation of the death toll, though Jacinda Ardern said today would go down as one of New Zealand’s “darkest days”.

Updated

Bush says police are not assuming the violence is confined to Christchurch, but they have no reason to believe there may be attacks in other countries. He warns that they can’t be too careful.

Updated

A number of bombs were attached to cars, says police commissioner

Bush says he can confirm there were several IEDs attached to cars that have been made safe now.

“This speaks to the seriousness of what occurred,” he says.

Updated

The attackers were apprehended by local police, and Bush says he is “absolutely proud” of the officers who were involved.

Updated

Four people are in custody – three men and one woman

Mike Bush has confirmed that four people are in custody, and things are moving very quickly.

He will not confirm if it is a terrorist attack, but says “it does not get more serious than this”.

Updated

Bush says this is “absolutely tragic and there will be so many people affected”. He says they will set up a facility so that families of the victims can get the information they need, but they don’t have the identities of the victims yet, because of the lockdown.

Updated

New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush is speaking now.

The mayor of Christchurch, Lianne Dalziel, is speaking to ABC news at the moment.

This has been a shock, a shock to a city that has been through so much already. I’m shocked beyond words. I cannot think of the right words to say.

The police are doing absolutely everything they can ... and they are seeking to get the matter under control and as soon as they are in a position to get the situation under control, we will end the lockdown of our facilities.

This has come as a bolt from the blue ... It just feels like it’s not what would happen in a place like New Zealand.

Updated

Deputy prime minister of New Zealand Winston Peters has tweeted it is “an awfully, awfully sad day”.

The co-leader of the New Zealand Greens, James Shaw, who was in the news yesterday after he was the victim of a physical attack at the Botanic Gardens in Wellington, has tweeted about the shootings, which he calls “horrendous”.

Updated

A reminder of what’s going on at the moment.

Jacinda Ardern has flown to Wellington for a crisis meeting of national security agencies. She has said she will do another press conference after that meeting.

We are also waiting for an official briefing from the police at 5:30pm local time (about 10 minutes) in which we should get more information.

Central Christchurch is still under lockdown, including schools, and people have been warned not to leave their homes, and for parents not to try to retrieve their children from school, they will be looked after by teachers and staff.

Police have also warned people across the entire country not to go to any mosques until police tell them it is safe, saying: “Close your doors”.


Our reporter, Melissa Davey, is in New Zealand en route to Christchurch. The taxi driver taking her to the airport says he is shocked and believes the shootings are hate crimes.

“There’s been shootings in New Zealand but never racist based like this that I can remember. We rarely have shootings like that. I think it’s bloody awful. I mean it’s pretty pointed going into a mosque isn’t it?

“I can only talk in my experience but Christchurch is a very conservative Protestant city and it does have a violent past. So it doesn’t surprise me if it did happen, it happened in Christchurch. You do get white boys, the white power gangs there still. Not so much skinheads anymore. But in with that sort. I wouldn’t say New Zealand as a whole is racist.”

Updated

And as we see in that last tweet, the police press conference has been pushed back by half a hour, to 5:30pm local time.

Schools remain in lockdown

Police have advised that schools in the city remain in lockdown and there is no timeframe for when that will be lifted. They have told parents not to go to the schools to collect their children, saying they are being looked after by the schools.

Updated

We’re expecting the police to hold a news conference any moment now.

Police may confirm the number of casualties at this press conference. While some news outlets are reporting figures, police have so far not officially confirmed the number of those dead and injured.

Updated

Police attempt to clear people from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, after the attack.
Police attempt to clear people from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, after the attack. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

The Bangladesh cricket team “just escaped” after shots were fired at a Christchurch mosque close to where the team was due to play the final Test match of their tour of New Zealand.

Police confirmed there were multiple fatalities after shootings at two mosques in the city on Friday.

All team members and staff caught up in the incident were able to return safely to their hotel, Bangladesh Cricket confirmed, after taking refuge in the immediate aftermath in the dressing rooms at Hagley Oval.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s highest run scorer, said he and his teammates were able to flee the scene. He described the experience as “frightening”.

Bangladesh have been touring New Zealand since last month.

Full story here.

Updated

Witness accounts from inside the mosque are starting to emerge.

About 1:40pm, a gunman entered the Masjid Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and opened fire.

Mohan Ibrahim was inside the mosque when the shooting began. He told the New Zealand Herald he thought it was an electric shock “but then all these people started running”.

“I still have friends inside. I have been calling my friends but there are many I haven’t heard from. I am scared for my friends lives.”

Ahmad Al-Mahmoud described seeing the man “coming through and shooting everyone in the mosque.

“We’re trying to get everyone to run from the area because we couldn’t get everyone out throught the door,” he told Stuff.co.

He said he jumped over the back fence of the mosque to escape.

“I haven’t seen the guy correctly but he was wearing helmet and these things,” he said.

“[There was] at least over 50 bullets ... [it was] quite fast ... could be more than hundreds.”

Another man, Carl Pomare, was one of the first people on the scene.

Pomare told the Herald he was driving opposite the mosque at 1.40pm and saw “a whole lot of people outside the mosque entrance on the footpath and the next thing, we saw them run”.

Pomare said he heard shots going off at rapid fire and saw people hitting the ground.

A video grab of a police officer rushing after reports that several shots had been fired at a mosque in central Christchurch
A video grab of a police officer rushing after reports that several shots had been fired at a mosque in central Christchurch.
 Photograph: Reuters Tv/Reuters

Updated

What we know so far

  • There have been multiple fatalities after the shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch during Friday afternoon prayers. A car with explosives inside was intercepted by police nearby
  • One suspect is in custody but police warned they were still tracing an active shooter. Police commissioner Mike Bush said: “Close your doors until you hear from us again.”
  • The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said it was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”, calling the attacks “an unprecedented act of violence”.
  • The city has been placed in lockdown, with schools and public buildings closed. People taking part in nearby climate change protests were evacuated and council staff have been looking after children separated from their relatives in the chaos.
  • Ardern spoke of the attacker’s motivation, saying the victims might include refugees and migrants. “They are us,” she said, before saying the perpetrator “has no place in New Zealand”.
  • Witness Len Peneha said he saw a man dressed in black enter the mosque – believed to have hundreds of people inside – and then heard dozens of shots. He said he also saw the gunman flee before emergency services arrived

Updated

Jacinda Ardern's comments in full

Prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, talking to the media about the Christchurch shooting.
Prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, talking to the media about the Christchurch shooting. Photograph: 1 News

Whilst I cannot give any confirmation at this stage around fatalities and casualties, what I can say is that it is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.

Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here. They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home.

They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand. There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was.

For now, my thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families.

My thoughts also to those in Christchurch, who are still dealing with an unfolding situation. The advice from police continues to be that people remain indoors. I acknowledge that that may mean that some families are separated, but please continue to listen out for information as it comes to light that’s been directly provided by the New Zealand Police with further information.

But as I say, please remain in lockdown. We are potentially still dealing with an evolving situation. And again, as I say, across multiple sites. Please be assured, though, the police are actively managing the situation. Christchurch Hospital is dedicated to treating those who are arriving at the hospital as we speak as well.

As soon as I leave here, I will be returning directly on a flight to Wellington. Agencies are already convening in Wellington. I will be looking to meet with them as soon as I land. It’s my expectation that once I arrive and have been briefed, I intend to speak again publicly after that point. I’m happy to take questions.”

'No one in NZ must go to a mosque under any circumstances,' says police commissioner

Police commissioner Mike Bush has warned: “No one in the country must go to a mosque under any circumstances.”

Series of updates from the New Zealand police, which includes confirmation of multiple fatalities and the fact this is an ongoing situation.

Police will address media at 5pm local time (in about 40 minutes).

Ardern is asked if she would describe this attack as a hate crime, she says: “I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence.”

She says of the people who were attacked, “New Zealand is their home, they should have felt safe here.”

She said that those who were in attendance at a mosque should have the right to be exercising their religious freedom, but they were not safe. Ardern says actions like this have “no place in New Zealand”.

After the press conference Ardern is flying to Wellington, where officials are convening.

She says one person is in custody, but that police are still advising people to remain indoors and there may be other people involved.

Ardern says she cannot confirm precise details, including the number of casualties.

“I’m not currently in a position to confirm casualties or injuries.” But she says it is clear so far “this is a significant event”.

“It will be one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”

Ardern says her thoughts are with the people of Christchurch, including those families that may be separated due to the lockdown.

She seems like she is holding back tears as she speaks about these events.

Updated

Ardern says that the perpetrator “has no place in New Zealand”. She calls the victims, some of whom may have been migrants or even refugees to New Zealand were part of their community - “they are us,” she says.

She says the perpetrator “is not”, and there is no place in New Zealand society for violent attacks like this.

'One of New Zealand's darkest days' - Jacinda Ardern speaks to the country

She confirms one suspect is in custody, but police are still searching to see if more people were involved.

She calls it “an unprecedented act of violence.

Commissioner Mike Bush’s full video statement can be seen here.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush. Photograph: New Zealand police

Updated

Multiple fatalities at two locations and situation ongoing, with one suspect in custody, police confirm

New Zealand police confirm that there have been multiple fatalities at two locations – Masjid Al Noor on Deans Ave and the Linwood Masjid on Linwood Ave.

The police say one suspect is in custody, but that the situation is still ongoing and it is an active shooter situation.

Commissioner Mike Bush said it was a “very serious and grave situation” and warned people not to leave their homes.

“Close your doors until you hear from us again,” said Bush.

Updated

There are reports that someone who could be the shooter has released a manifesto online, and a very disturbing video showing the attack.

These are unconfirmed at this stage and we are choosing not to publish more about them until we have been able to verify them. We will bring you more information about this when we have it.

Updated

‘I saw people drop dead’ - witness’s horrific account of shooting

A man who was at the mosque during the incident is telling TVNZ he hasn’t seen his wife, who was also in the mosque this morning, since the shooting.

The man, who is a wheelchair and pushed himself out to the carpark, has a chilling account of the event.

He said he was in the side room and the imam had just started his sermon when the shooting started.

It was very peaceful, calm and quiet, as it is when the sermon starts, you could hear a pin drop.

Then suddenly the shooting started. It started in the main room... I was in the side room, so I didn’t see who was shooting but I saw that some people were running out to my room where I was in, I saw some people had blood on their body and some people were limping. It was at the moment I realised things were really serious.

So I tried too get out and I pushed myself at the back where my car was, and from there I heard the shooting, it went on six minutes or more, I could hear screaming and crying, I saw some people drop dead, some people were running away, I was in a wheelchair, so I couldn’t get anywhere.

He did his massacre inside the mosque.

The man then pushed himself back into the mosque after the shooting ended, trying to find his wife, and help others.

I pushed myself back into the mosque. To the right, I saw about 20 plus people, some were dead, some were screaming. On the left there were 10 plus people, some were dead,

I saw the bullet shells on the floor, so many hundreds.

Updated

Christchurch Hospital is in lockdown.

The hospital is about two kilometres from the mosques.

A hospital spokesman said some shooting victims were being treated at the emergency department but he could not provide numbers.

“We don’t know the detail at this time,” he told the Guardian.

“The whole campus, including the building I’m in, is in lockdown, we are not venturing outside – that’s staff, patients and visitors.”

Sources have told our reporter on the ground, Eleanor Ainge Roy, that police are searching for three people inside the area that has been cordoned off, as well as a white van.

Adding to the shock is how rare events like this are in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s last mass shooting was the 1990 Aramoana massacre, in which 13 people were murdered as well as the killer David Gray.

The tragedy unfolded in the small seaside township of Aramoana, near Dunedin. Gray was armed with a scoped semi-automatic rifle and his victims included the first policeman to respond to the emergency - Sergeant Stewart Guthrie.

The incident sparked a lengthy public debate on gun control in NZ at the time.In 2016, a firearms expert warned NZ could be at risk of another Aramoana massacre.

Waikato University professor Alexander Gillespie told a parliamentary inquiry that 95 per cent of guns in NZ are untraceable because a lack of a central register.

“At the moment I have to register my car. I have to register my dog. But my neighbour doesn’t have to register his firearm,” Dr Gillespie said.

Christchurch hospital has activated its emergency protocol.

A witness who was at the mosque during the shooting has spoken to TVNZ and says that the shooting lasted for about 20 minutes and systematically went through the mosque, going from room to room targeting people.

His brother was at the mosque with him and he doesn’t know if he is OK.

What we know so far

  • At 1:40pm a gunman entered the Masjid Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and opened fire
  • There are reports of casualties with local media are reporting some people have died, with witnesses saying they saw “lots of bodies” on the ground, though police have not confirmed the number of those injured or dead.
  • This is an active shooter situation, with police responding to more gunshots fired at other locations across the city.
  • The city remains under lockdown, with central Christchurch evacuated, children who were participating in the climate strikes were evacuated, schools are under lockdown.
  • Police have confirmed to the Guardian that there is a bomb in a car that has crashed on Strickland Street in the city. People are being evacuated from the area.
  • Police are entering properties in Deyell Crescent, they are telling evacuees “you don’t want to know what is happening”.
  • Prime minister Jacinda Ardern cancelled all her afternoon activities and is set to address media at 4pm local time (in about half an hour).

Updated

Eleanor Ainge Roy, our reporter on the ground in Christchurch, says that armed officers are entering Deyell Crescent, south of the Botanic Gardens and Al Noor Mosque, where the shootings took place.

She reports the whole street has been evacuated and the street is being guarded by armed offices.

Police and ambulance staff help a wounded man from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019. A witness says many people have been killed in a mass shooting at a mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.
Police and ambulance staff help a wounded man from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019. A witness says many people have been killed in a mass shooting at a mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

An update from New Zealand police:

More shots fired in Christchurch

More shots have been fired in the last five minutes, according to police sources.

Our reporter, who is with the police in Christchurch, heard as police were ordered over radio to attend another location in Christchurch to attend an active shooter situation.

There is no confirmation of where the second location is or whether there were any injuries.

Armed police patrol outside a mosque in central Christchurch.
Armed police patrol outside a mosque in central Christchurch. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

Updated

This is from the Associated Press:

A witness says many people have been killed in a mass shooting at a mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

Police have not described the scale of the Friday shooting but urged people in central Christchurch to stay indoors.

Witness Len Peneha says he saw a man dressed in black enter the Masjid Al Noor mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running from the mosque in terror.

He says he also saw the gunman flee before emergency services arrived
Peneha says he went into the mosque to try and help: “I saw dead people everywhere.”

Again, police have not confirmed casualty numbers, though we have seen footage of several people being wheeled into Christchurch hospital for treatment following the shooting. We will let you know as soon as police or other authorities confirm casualties.

Ambulance staff take a man from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand.
Ambulance staff take a man from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

Updated

Several reports have come in saying there were hundreds of people in the mosque when the shooting occurred.

One witness told the ABC news that he fled after the shooting began and was now running through the streets without his shoes, it is typical to remove one’s shoes when entering a mosque for prayers.

Bangladeshi cricketer, Tamim Iqbal Khan, has tweeted that the “entire team got saved from active shooters”. The team were at Al Noor mosque this morning when the incident took place, he described it as a a “frightening experience”.

Bomb in a car on Strickland Street in Christchurch

There is a bomb on Strickland Street in Christchurch, two police officers have confirmed to our reporter on the ground.

The bomb is located inside a beige Subaru that has crashed on Strickland Street, about three kilometres from the Al Noor Mosque where the shooting took place.

“You’re not safe here, there’s a bomb in that car,” a senior police officer told our reporter Eleanor Ainge Roy. She and the police have moved back several hundred metres, to stay at a safe difference.

Updated

It seems the Bangladesh cricket team were at the Hagley Park mosque when the incident occurred and escaped from the mosque.

We’re seeing images of victims of the shooting arriving at Christchurch hospital on TV news. Again, to reiterate, we have not had any confirmation of the number or nature of the casualties.

Fears of explosives in crashed car on Christchurch street

Our reporter Eleanor Ainge Roy says there is a crashed Subaru on Strickland Street in central Auckland police believe there may be explosives inside.

They are trying to secure the car and have cleared a safety cordon of about 100 metres around the car because of fears of a bomb blast.

Police have confirmed this is an active and critical situation.

The shots were first reported in a mosque and at nearby Hagley Park in the centre of Christchurch.

Our reporter Eleanor Ainge Roy is down at the police cordon, at Strickland St. She reports that the police are all carrying rifles.

Schools in central Christchurch are also in lockdown.

The climate change rallies across Christchurch have been evacuated and the prime minister Jacinda Ardern has cancelled all events for the afternoon as the police recommend that everyone in central Christchurch stays indoors.

Breaking news out of New Zealand, where it is believed several people have been injured after shootings near a mosque in Christchurch.

Our reporter Eleanor Ainge Roy is in Christchurch where there are reports that 20 shots were fired near a mosque, injuring several people. We don’t have confirmation of the number of injured from the police yet.

Armed police are on the scene and a second mosque has reportedly been evacuated as well.

This is a breaking story, we’ll bring you more information as it comes in.

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