Dozens killed in deadly attack on two mosques in New Zealand
Many people have been killed and injured in a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Prime Minister of New Zealand has put the death toll at 40. Police have announced the arrest of four suspects.
On Friday morning, March 15, the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, witnessed bloody attacks on two mosques in the city. As a result of these attacks, a large number of people who had come to pray at these mosques were killed and injured.
New Zealand police have not provided the media with precise and definitive information on the number of casualties in these two bloody attacks. New Zealand police have spoken of a "high number of casualties." Even the police have remained silent about the possibility of a new attack in the city.
According to the latest reports, the Prime Minister of New Zealand has announced that at least 40 people have been killed.
This comes as police are said to have arrested four suspects in connection with the attacks.
It is unclear whether the attacker or attackers are among those arrested or are still at large.
Armed attack on two mosques
According to news reports published by news agencies quoting eyewitnesses, a white man wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet entered the mosque and shot people with a machine gun.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the attacks one of the "darkest days" in New Zealand's history.
The New Zealand Prime Minister said: "I consider these attacks to be the most violent act ever committed in this country."
Ardern has told the media that she will travel to Christchurch within the next few hours to visit the site.
Police appeal to the public
New Zealand police have urged people to avoid the city's central streets. The force has also urged people to report any suspicious behaviour to officers.
In addition, police have urged students to remain in their classrooms to avoid further attacks. All government buildings in Christchurch have been placed on lockdown.
Christchurch Mayor Lynn Dalziel said the attacks had shocked him. "I never even thought something like this could happen in this city," he said.
The city of Christchurch is located in the south of New Zealand and, with a population of 350,000, is the country's third largest city.
Source: DW
