New Zealand PM says 40 killed, 27 injured in Christchurch terror attack

CHRISTCHURCH, news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand, March 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 people were killed and 27 others injured in the mass shooting in two mosques of news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand's Christchurch, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Friday.

"It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack," Ardern told a press conference in Wellington, adding that the attack appeared to have been "well-planned."

Two explosive devices attached to cars have been decommissioned by the police.

Ardern said four people have been arrested, and three were connected to the attack. At this stage the government has no reason to believe there are any other suspects, she added.

She said one of those arrested was Australian-born and had extreme views.

The prime minister said security was heightened all over the country.

At least two gunmen opened fire at two separate mosques in Christchurch on Friday.

According to reports, a gunman in camouflage uniforms opened fire inside the Masjid Al Noor mosque full of prayers in central Christchurch during the afternoon praying time.

Witnesses described that there were much blood and multiple deaths. At least 50 rounds of gunshots were heard during the shooting, said one witness.

news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand Police Minister Mike Bush said earlier on Friday that he was aware that footage of the Al Noor Mosque shooting was on social media and police were doing everything they could to get it removed.

"This is one of news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand's darkest days. My thoughts are with Christchurch," Ardern said in her earlier address.

People were recommended by the police to stay indoors. All mosques nationally were urged to shut their doors, and people were advised to refrain from visiting these premises until further notice.

Chinese Consul General in Christchurch Wang Zhijian told Xinhua that emergency response has been activated. No casualty of Chinese citizen has been reported yet.

The Chinese Consulate General office is working with local police to check if there is any Chinese national being caught in the gunfire.