New Zealand attack: Suspected gunman Brenton Tarrant appears in court

Two more people remain in police custody

The man suspected of killing dozens of Muslims in a terrorist attack in New Zealand has appeared in court, charged with murder.

Brenton Harrison Tarrant, of Dunedin, was dressed in a white prison jumpsuit, as he faced one charge of murder.

The 28-year-old was remanded in custody at Christchurch District Court until he appears at New Zealand's High Court on 5 April. He was photographed making a white power gesture in the dock.

Judge PR Kellar said it was "reasonable to assume" Mr Tarrant would face further murder charges

The court was closed to the public during his appearance because of security reasons, police said. Victims' family members were gathered outside.

"While the man is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid. Details of those charges will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity," a spokesperson for New Zealand Police said. "A complex investigation is under way into this terrible attack, and Police have a number of a priorities today in terms of investigation and intelligence gathering.

"However another absolute focus for us is to ensure that the victims of this attack, including family members and loved ones of those killed and injured, have the best possible structures in place to provide support and welfare. While the man is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid. Details of those charges will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity."

Speaking before his court appearance, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said three people, including Mr Tarrant, had been arrested in the wake of the attack.

A fourth person was arrested in possession of a firearm, but with the intention of assisting police and has since been released.

Forty-one people were killed at the Masjid Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue in central Christchurch, seven were killed at the suburban Linwood Masjid Mosque, and one person died at the Christchurch Hospital.

Ms Ardern said in a press conference that the country's gun laws would change in the wake of the attack.

The suspect held a Category A gun license which enabled him to legally obtain semi-automatic weapons, she said, adding: "While the nation grapples with a form of grief and anger that we have not experienced before, we are seeking answers."

Ms Ardern previously described the attack as "one of New Zealand's darkest days", adding: "What has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence."

She added: "It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack."

Additional reporting by agencies