CHRISTCHURCH (Halbeeg News)-A gunman opened fire and killed more 27 people in two mosques on Friday.
The shooting occurred while Muslim faithful gathered for weekly Friday prayers in the city of Christchurch.
Police said multiple fatalities had occurred at two mosques, but it was unclear how many attackers were involved, a massive manhunt is underway as the city is put on lock down.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said four suspects were in custody – three men and a woman – but added: “Let’s not presume the danger is gone.”
Video footage widely circulated on social media, apparently taken by a gunman and posted online live as the attack unfolded, showed him driving to one mosque, entering it and shooting randomly at people inside.
New Zealand media also report that the Bangladesh cricket team, who are set to play a test match in Christchurch on Saturday, escaped from the mosque.
Mario Villavarayen, strength and conditioning coach of the Bangladesh cricket team, was quoted by the New Zealand Herald as saying the team was close to where the shooting occurred but was safe.
“The players are shaken up but fine,” Villavarayen was quoted as saying. Peneha described the scene at Masjid Al Noor as “unbelievable”.
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