Police in Christchurch, New Zealand are responding to a “serious and evolving situation” involving an active shooter at a mosque in the central city.
Christchurch is a city in lockdown, with reports of three shooting scenes and a car bomb in Strickland Street, according to The Herald.
TVNZ report that the first incident took place at the Masjid Al Noor mosque on Deans Ave, near Hagley Park. There are also reports of another shooting at a different mosque in the area.
An eyewitness inside the Masjid Al Noor Mosque told Radio New Zealand that he heard shots fired and says at least four people were lying on the ground and “there was blood everywhere”.
Shortly after 4pm (local time) Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern confirmed that there is one suspect in custody, also confirming that there are multiple shooting sites, adding that this is “one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”
She urged those in the centre of Christchurch to remain indoors, saying that the police are “actively managing the situation.”
The Prime Minister would not comment any further on casualties, only that those on whom the attacks were carried out should have been safe in their place of worship, and that New Zealand “is their home” and they should feel safe in their home. She would also not comment further on details of any suspects, only that the attacks are “unprecedented acts of violence … that have no place in New Zealand.”
There has been a series of updates from the New Zealand police, which includes confirmation of multiple fatalities and the fact this is an ongoing situation.
5/5 There will be a media stand-up at 5pm today at the Royal Society Te Aparangi on Turnbull Street, Thorndon, Wellington.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
Police are set to address the media at 5pm (local time).
