More worshipers feared dead in mass shooting at 02 New Zealand mosques

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More worshipers feared dead in mass shooting at 02 New Zealand mosques

According to local media reports, the shooter live streamed the entire incident on Facebook

Friday March 15, 2019 11:14 AM, Agencies

Wellington: Police in New Zealand Friday refused to reveal the exact number of people died after gunmen entered two mosques in New Zealand during the Friday prayers and opened fire at peaceful worshipers.

The police however confirmed mass shooting at two mosques - one in Christchurch and other in Linwood, and said there could be "significant" and "multiple" fatalities.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said four suspects were in custody - three men and a woman - but added: "Let's not presume the danger is gone."

Talking to local TV channels Muslim worshipers said about 500 people were inside the Al Noor Mosque Christchurch when gunmen entered and opened fire.

Members of the Bangladesh cricket team were also going to the mosque to complete their Friday prayers at Christchurch's Masjid Al Noor. Just when they were about to enter the mosque, a lady warned them that a gun attack was going on inside the mosque. The distraught Bangladesh players got inside a bus and laid down on the floor after the warning.

Earlier reports said that at least six people were killed and several injured in the mass shooting at Masjid Al Noor in the city of Christchurch.

"Police are currently responding to reports of shots fired in central Christchurch," the police said in a statement.

According to local media reports, the shooter live streamed the entire incident on Facebook.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said, "A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter. Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high.

"Police recommend that residents across Christchurch remain off the streets and indoors until further notice. Christchurch schools will be locked down until further notice", he added.

Witness Len Peneha said he saw a man dressed in black enter the Masjid Al Noor mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running from the mosque in terror. He said he also saw the gunman flee before emergency services arrived.

Police also confirmed a second shooting occurred at the Linwood mosque during Friday prayers in the South Island city, but no details were immediately available.

"We're dealing with an evolving situation across multiple sites," New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a news conference. "This is, and will be, one of New Zealand's darkest days."

Authorities have not described the scale of Friday's shootings but urged people in central Christchurch to stay indoors. Police warned worshippers not to visit mosques "anywhere in New Zealand".

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