Many dead in New Zealand shooting at two mosques during Friday prayers

SUMMARY

Forty people were killed and more than 20 seriously wounded in mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch on Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. Ardern said New Zealand had been placed on its highest security threat level. She said four people in police custody held extremist views but had not been on any police watchlists. A gunman opened fire on Friday prayers at a mosque in New Zealand killing many worshippers and forcing the city of Christchurch into lockdown, in what looked set to be the country's worst ever mass shooting.

By ReutersMar 15, 2019 12:21:32 PM IST (Updated)

Police officers are seen after reports that several shots had been fired at a mosque, in central Christchurch, New Zealand . (TVNZ/via REUTERS TV)

Ambulances drive along a street after reports that several shots had been fired at the mosque. (TVNZ/via REUTERS TV)

Armed police following a shooting at the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. (REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter)

AOS (Armed Offenders Squad) push back members of the public following a shooting at the Masjid Al Noor mosque. (REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter)

Members of a family react outside the mosque following a shooting. (REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter)

Emergency services personnel transport a stretcher carrying a person at a hospital. (TVNZ/via REUTERS TV)