The death toll has risen to 49 after the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch today, police have confirmed.
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.
- 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.