New Zealand mosque attacks: What we know so far

Updated

Forty nine people have been killed and four people are in custody after attackers opened fire during Friday prayers at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

Here's what we know so far:

– Thirty people were killed at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch, seven were killed inside the suburban Linwood Masjid Mosque, and three died outside the same mosque.

– Migrants and refugees appeared to be most affected by the shootings.

– At least 20 others have been seriously injured.

– Four people, three men and one woman, are in custody over the attacks.

– New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the national security threat level has been lifted from low to high, adding the shootings appeared to have been a well-planned "terrorist attack". She described it as "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

– One of the attackers – Brenton Tarrant – appears to have live-streamed the attack on Facebook as he shot victims in a mosque. Police have urged the public not to share the "extremely distressing" material online.

The 28-year-old Australian described his anti-immigrant motives in a manifesto.

An image taken from the alleged shooter's video, as he drives and he looks over to three guns
An image taken from the alleged shooter's video, as he drives and he looks over to three guns
An image from the alleged shooter's video, showing three guns on the passenger seat of a car
An image from the alleged shooter's video, showing three guns on the passenger seat of a car

– Police have warned there may be more suspects.

– Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said one of those arrested was an Australian citizen and described the suspected attacker as an "extremist right-wing violent terrorist".

– A number of improvised explosive devices found on vehicles after the shootings have been defused by police.

New Zealand mosque attack
New Zealand mosque attack

– Officers first received reports of shots fired in central Christchurch at about 1.40pm local time (12.40am GMT).

– All schools in Christchurch were put on lockdown and mosques told to shut their doors.

Advertisement