Christchurch shooting LIVE: Several reported dead as New Zealand mosques attacked

1.50pm

Christchurch Mayor 'shocked beyond words'

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was "shocked beyond words" by the shootings."I would never have expected anything like this to happen in Christchurch, I'd never expect this to happen in New Zealand," she said."I am getting messages from around the country, and from around the world. I know that everyone is shocked".Dalziel said she was not in a position to comment on the shootings themselves.She said all civic buildings including the council headquarters, public library and art gallery were in lockdown.She asked people to heed police advice to keep out of the central city, and to stay safe inside a building if they were already in the central city.

1.37pm

"The risk remains extremely high"

By Sally Rawsthorne

New Zealand Police's official Twitter account has confirmed that the shooter is still active."A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter. Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high. Police recommend that residents across Christchurch remain off the streets and indoors until further notice. Christchurch schools will be locked down until further notice. Police thanks the public for their cooperation and will provide further updates to keep residents informed. "

1.29pm

Reports say shootings occurred in multiple locations, including two different mosques

Worshippers at both the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque have been shot at, with eyewitnesses reporting several have been killed, though officials have not confirmed this.

Stuff.co.nz reports that the shooters' rifles had Alexandre Bissonette and Luca Traini written on them - the names of mosque shooters in Italy and Canada.

Shots have also been fired at Christchurch Hospital, which has activated its emergency plan and expects 40-50 victims.

1.27pm

Bangladesh cricket team narrowly avoid attack

The Bangladesh cricket team was at the mosque for Friday prayer when the shooting started - but the members of the team have been confirmed safe.

Schools in the area have been closed.

1.24pm

Several reported dead as gunman opens fire at Christchurch mosque

Several people are reported to have been killed in a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch. Police say a serious and evolving situation continues with an active shooter. Schools are in lockdown and people told to stay inside. There are reports of a shooting at a second mosque as well. A witness inside the Christchurch mosque said a man came in with an automatic rifle and shot people.