A gunman opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch on Friday - the death toll stands at 49, with a further 48 injured including a critically hurt 4-year-old boy.
READ MORE
• Live updates: Gunmen storm Christchurch mosques
• Witness to mosque shooting: 'The gun shots ... I heard over 50'
• Mosque shooting: Bangladesh cricketers 'just started running'
Here is what you need to know:
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.• At least one gunman opened fire inside two mosques in Christchurch on Friday
• Dozens of people were shot, with 49 killed and 48 injured
• Three people are in custody - a fourth person was arrested after arming himself to help police
• A 28-year-old man, an Australian, will appear in court on Saturday charged with murder - he was living in Dunedin at the time of the shootings but had been travelling the world. The accused filmed as he shot victims in the mosque - and wrote a manifesto declaring his intentions
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.• The accused gunman had five weapons including two semi-automatic guns. He was licensed and obtained the guns legally. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says: "Our gun laws will change".
• Police were aware of footage of the Al Noor Mosque shooting on social media and were trying to get it removed
• Ardern called the attacks "one of New Zealand's darkest days".
• The Queen issued a full statement, late on Friday night (NZT): "I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch today. Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.
"I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured.
"At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders."
• US president Donald Trump has spoken to Jacinda Ardern and also sent a message to the people of New Zealand.
"My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques."
• Police Commissioner Mike Bush also urged people to avoid going to mosques around New Zealand on Friday night
• Police have urged anyone in central Christchurch to stay indoors and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.• Police confirmed at 2.41pm that all Christchurch schools had been placed into lockdown. At 5.57pm police lifted the lockdown for schools.
• 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."
• Another witness said he ran for his life as his friends were shot dead around him at the mosque.
• There were about 200 people in Masjid Al Noor mosque on Deans Ave when shots were heard.
• Deans Ave has been closed between Moorhouse Avenue and Riccarton Rd. Road users are advised to avoid the area.
• In Cathedral Square, at the climate protest a police officer asked for everyone to make their way home immediately. The police officer said there had been an incident and students should go straight home.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.• Christchurch Hospital was earlier placed on lockdown. All appointments have been cancelled this afternoon, and no staff or patients were to enter or leave the building, the district health board said. Members of the public were told not to go to the hospital unless it was an emergency.
• The Bangladesh cricket team was at the mosque for Friday prayer when the shooting started. The players were shaken up but uninjured.
• The third Black Caps v Bangladesh test which was set to start tomorrow has been cancelled.
