New Zealand Police are dealing with an active shooter incident after a man reportedly burst into a mosque in Christchurch and opened fire.
Canturbury Police have tweeted: "We have a critical incident in Deans Ave Christchurch. Please avoid the area. We will give more in the near future."
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RT reports that between 40 to 50 people have been injured in the attack at the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch. Local media are reporting the gunman filmed the attack and live-streamed it.
A second mosque, Linwood Masjid mosque, is reported to have also been targeted and has since been evacuated.
Witnesses claim the gunman was wearing a military style jacket and carrying an assault weapon. The live-streamed video shows him burst into the mosque and open fire discriminately.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said: "A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter.
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"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.
"Police thanks the public for their cooperation and will provide further updates to keep residents informed."
Mohan Ibrahim told the New Zealand Herald: "At first we thought it was an electric shock but then all these people started running.
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"I still have friends inside.
"I have been calling my friends but there are many I haven't heard from. I am scared for my friends lives."
More to come.
Topics: New Zealand, News