What we know so far
- A gunman has entered the crowded Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand at about 1.45pm local time.
- A second shooting has been confirmed at Linwood Masjid in Linwood, Christchurch.
- Multiple fatalities have been confirmed.
- Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that one person was in custody, but they were still treating it as an "active shooter" situation.
- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said it was "one of New Zealand's darkest days".
A gunman has opened fire at a mosque in New Zealand as people gathered for prayers, sparking a hunt for an "active" shooter in the South Island town of Christchurch.
Witnesses reported seeing a man carrying a gun entering the Masjid Al Noor Mosque in Hagley Park. New Zealand Police have stormed the area and are urging anyone in the area to stay indoors.
In response to "a serious ongoing firearms incident", police said all schools have been placed in lock-down.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said, "a serious and evolving situation was occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter".
ABC News quoted eyewitness reports that up to 30 people were either dead or injured, but stressed that the figures were unconfirmed.
The local police have also cleared Cathedral Square, where thousands of children were rallying for action on climate change.
"Police are currently responding to reports of shots fired in central Christchurch," the police said in a statement.Several hundred people were inside the mosque at the time and witnesses reported seeing at least four people on the ground and "blood everywhere", according to Radio New Zealand.
More updates here.
