New Zealand attack - live updates: Suspected gunman appears in court as Prime Minister Ardern promises ‘gun laws will change’

At least 49 killed in mass shooting of worshippers in two mosques

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister says at least 40 dead in mosque shooting

At least 49 people have been killed and dozens more are seriously injured after shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Witnesses described seeing bodies and “blood everywhere” following the attack at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch on Friday afternoon.

Police have charged an Australian citizen, Brenton Tarrant with murder,

Handcuffed and wearing a white prison suit, the 28-year-old smirked as he appeared Christchurch District Court but did not speak. His court-appointed lawyer made no application for bail or name suppression.

He was likely to face further charges, police said. Another three people were arrested in connection with the attack. One was later released, but two remain detained at the time of publication.

Tarrant ppeared to have live-streamed the attack and outlined his anti-immigrant motives in a manifesto posted online.

A search of a property in Dunedin, around 200 miles to the south, was carried out by police.

Videos and documents posted online appear to suggest that the shooter live-streamed his attack on Facebook and prepared an anti-immigrant “manifesto” prior to the shooting.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand's gun laws would be changed as a result of the attack. She later visited refugees in the city.

Follow the latest developments in our live blog below.

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Key Points

• The shooting began at Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch at 1.45pm
• At least 49 dead and dozens seriously injured, say police and PM Ardern
• Brenton Tarrant has been remanded in custody after he was charged with murder
• Manifesto and live stream purporting to show attack were posted online
• Police search property in Dunedin linked to the shootings
• Presidents, prime ministers and religious leaders pay tribute to victims

[15 March 2019 21:47 · Zamira Rahim]

Press and victims' families are gathered at the Christchurch District Court in New Zealand, where a 28-year-old man is expected to appear shortly, on charges of murder.

[15 March 2019 22:07 · Zamira Rahim]

The 28-year-old man suspected of killing dozens of Muslim worshippers yesterday has appeared in court.

He is charged with murder.

[15 March 2019 22:45 · Zamira Rahim]

Brenton Tarrant made a White Power gesture during his brief appearance in court, according to the New Zealand Herald.

[15 March 2019 23:02 · Zamira Rahim]

Fiyaz Mughal has a written a piece for The Independent about Fraser Anning's comments today. 

"Attacks against Muslims are justified by some politicians in the name of tackling Islamist extremism or terrorism," he says.

Read more here: 

[15 March 2019 23:38 · Zamira Rahim]

Christchurch, New Zealand's garden city, has been left reeling after yesterday's act of terror.

Read our report from the town here: 

[15 March 2019 23:52 · Zamira Rahim]

The first victim of the attack to be named by his family is Daoud Nabi, who was killed at Al Noor mosque.

He was shot as he tried to shield another worshipper from the gunman, according to NBC News.

His sons Yama and Omar waited in front of Christchurch District Court on Friday, as a 28-year-old man suspected of carrying out the attack appeared inside. 

[16 March 2019 00:09 · Henry Austin]

Greg Robertson, Chief of Surgery at the Canterbury District Health Board, has said 11 people remain critically ill. 

He said many of the victims have multiple injuries. Most would need surgery, he added. Four patients had died on the way to hospital. 

[16 March 2019 00:19 · Henry Austin]

A two-year-old boy is among the 39 people being treated at Christchurch Hospital, Mr Robertson said. A 13-year-old boy was also wounded in the attack, he said. 

They are among 39 victims being treated at the facility. 

"It was carnage that came through the doors yesterday," he said.

[16 March 2019 00:21 · Henry Austin]

Police Commissioner Mike Bush has said that questions are rightly being asked about how the attack was not foreseen.

"The investigation into the intelligence failures is also a priority," he said.

[16 March 2019 00:25 · Henry Austin]

 New Zealand's Police Association has welcomed prime minister Jacinda Ahern's commitment to changing gun laws.