There have been two attacks – at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque next to Hagley Park, and at the Linwood Masjid Mosque in the suburb of Linwood.
The third cricket Test between Bangladesh and NZ – due to start in Christchurch tomorrow – has been cancelled.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses the nation on the terrorist attack in Christchurch today.
Key points:
There have been two attacks – at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque next to Hagley Park, and at the Linwood Masjid Mosque in the suburb of Linwood.
Forty-nine people have died, police have confirmed. 41 at Deans Ave mosque and seven at the Linwood mosque. One person who had been injured has since died.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder and is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow morning.
Three others are in custody, but one of these people is not thought to be connected to shootings. But police warn there could be more offenders.
People are escorted out of a police cordon and reunited with friends and family in Christchurch.https://t.co/HAApnwm7co pic.twitter.com/SXM6Xt8JBn
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The PM said those in custody were not on any security watch lists.
Canterbury DHB says 48 patients with gunshot wounds are being treated at Christchurch Hospital.
Police are at a property on Somerville Street in Dunedin, which is linked to the shootings.
PM Jacinda Ardern has described it as a terrorist attack.
People can register missing persons or themselves as alive at this website
The national security threat level has been increased from low to high for the first time in NZ’s history.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said there were two explosive devices attached to a vehicle, one has been deactivated and the other is being worked on.
Mr Bush said weapons have been found near the mosques were the shooting occurred.
An eyewitness described seeing a man wearing a helmet and glasses and a military style jacket opening fire inside one of the mosques with an automatic weapon.
Multiple roads in the city including Blenheim Rd, Moorhouse Ave and Brougham St were closed.
Police have told mosques nationwide to shut their doors until further notice.
The third cricket Test between Bangladesh and NZ – due to start in Christchurch tomorrow – has been cancelled.
Courtesy RNZ