Gunmen have opened fire at mosques in Christchurch, with reports of between nine and 27 people killed.
Dozens feared dead as at least two gunmen open fire at two central Christchurch mosques. Four people are in custody – three men and one woman.
A number of IEDs that were attached to vehicles in Christchurch have been defused by the Defence Force, reports nzherald.co.nz.
One gunman, believed to be Australian, filmed as he shot victims in the mosque – and wrote a manifesto declaring his intentions.
Teen witness: “I just ran as fast as I could, over the fence to Hagley Park, I didn’t stop. The gunshots sounded like pop, pop, pop…I heard over 50.”
The Police Commissioner Mike Bush said “there have been some absolute acts of bravery” in the arrests of the four attackers.
Bush said there were multiple casualties – a “significant” amount.
“This is absolutely tragic. So many people are affected.
“We don’t have the identities of those who have died yet because those places are in lockdown.”
He said he would not assume there aren’t other attackers.
The lock down of schools throughout Christchurch was lifted at 5.50pm.
