Christchurch mosque shootings: Police rule out that gunman entered mosque prior to attack

A police officer helps to attach messages to the fence at the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch on the first anniversary of the terror attacks. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Claims the Christchurch shooter had entered the Al Noor mosque before carrying out a mass shooting have been denied by police.

On Newshub tonight, it was claimed shooter Brenton Harrison Tarrant had entered Masjid An-nur (Al Noor) mosque prior to March 15.

In the news clip, the An-Nur Imam Gamal Fouda is shown saying the shooter had previously prayed in the mosque and knew it "like his house".

Newshub reported that they couldn't previously report the Imam's claims stating it would have affected Tarrant's fair trial.

Tarrant pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder last month.

The Imam claimed Tarrant had been to the mosque three weeks in a row, dressed in traditional Pakistani clothing, so that he could get an accurate layout of the mosque.

The Imam also claimed Tarrant asked a worshipper if they prayed at the same time every Friday.

When asked by Newshub if he seemed familiar with mosque, the Imam replied "100 per cent".

Another worshipper claimed that his friend hugged Tarrant during a visit.

Newshub claimed that police found evidence that Tarrant's vehicle was outside the mosque.

But Christchurch police Superintendent John Price said the shooter did not physically enter the mosque; but believe he would have carried out a virtual tour.

"Police have carried out an extensive investigation and there is no evidence to suggest that the gunman entered the Al Noor Mosque or its grounds prior to the March 15 attack.

"After police extensively reviewed CCTV footage as part of the investigation, it was found he had parked across the street before March 15.

"Police also believe he viewed an online tour of the mosque.

"While the matter remains before the court we are unable to provide any further information."

In a shock move last month, Brenton Harrison Tarrant admitted murdering 51 Muslims at two Christchurch mosques on March 15 last year.

The 29-year-old Australian entered the guilty pleas at a special, hastily-arranged High Court hearing in Christchurch on March 26.

He also admitted 40 charges of attempted murder relating to the two attacks at Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Islamic Centre on March 15 last year - and pleaded guilty to one charge of engaging in a terrorist act laid under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002.

Tarrant was convicted on all charges and remanded him custody until May when lockdown restrictions would be relaxed and a new sentencing date will be set.