New Zealand shooting MAPPED: Timeline of events in Christchurch mosque attack
NEW ZEALAND is in shock after 49 people were killed at two mosques in Christchurch in the country’s worst mass shooting in its history - here is the timeline of how events unfolded.
New Zealand: PM says mosque shooters ‘weren’t on watch lists’
Forty nine people have been killed and 20 others seriously injured in a sickening terrorist attack by right-wing extremists against Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Three men and one women are in custody following the mass shooting on Friday, with one of those arrested confirmed to be an Australian citizen. Prime Minister Jacinta Arden, who described the shootings as “a terrorist attack”, has raised New Zealand’s terror threat level to high from low.
She called the shocking attack “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.
Christchurch remains on lockdown after police found a number of improvised explosive devices on vehicles after police swooped in to end the shootings.
Ms Arden has said many of the victims were “migrants” to New Zealand and “may even be refugees here”.
The 28-year-old Australian man in custody - who has been named as Brenton Tarrant - is believed to have live streamed one of the attacks and had published a chilling 73-page manifesto before carrying out the heinous act.
Timeline of events - what do we know so far about the attack on Friday, March 15
1.40pm local time (12.40am GMT): People respond to reports of shots fired in central Christchurch.
People are urged to stay indoors while schools are put on lockdown.
2.30pm (1.30am GMT): Police describe the unfolding events as an "active shooter" situation.
Mosques across the country are closed.
New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern calls the shootings "one of New Zealand's darkest days”.
4pm (3pm GMT): New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush says there have been "multiple fatalities" at the locations.
5.30pm (4.30am GMT): Mr Bush says three men and one woman are in custody over the shootings.
Shortly afterwards, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison confirms a Australian citizen is among the people arrested.
7.30pm (6.30am GMT): Ms Ardern confirms 40 people are believed to have died in the shootings, while more than 20 are seriously injured.
She says the offender is in custody, adding: "I can give that assurance, he has been apprehended. He is also accompanied by two other associates."
Christchurch is located on the east side of New Zealand's South Island.