NZ Shooting: Death toll rises to 49; 20 seriously injured

Update: 2.36 PM - Death toll in Christchurch shooting in New Zealand reportedly increased to 49. COLOMBO (News 1st)  - Reports state that at least 40 people were killed and 20 people sustained serious injuries in two shooting incidents that were reported on Friday  (March 15) in Central Christchurch, New Zealand. One person has been taken into custody over the incident. The New Zealand police deployed armed officers in central Christchurch on Friday after reports that several shots had been fired, police said, and witnesses at a mosque told media of several casualties. People in the center of the city should stay indoors, police said. The shooter had entered the Masjid Al Noor mosque 10 minutes after prayers began and let off “dozens, if not hundreds of rounds,”  stated a witness.  He had described the man as white-skinned, blond, short, and wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest. A second shooting had also taken place at Linwood Masjid, where a witness says they saw a man leave the mosque wearing camouflage gear and a motorcycle helmet, while unconfirmed reports indicate a bomb was found on nearby Strickland Ave. Incidentally, the Bangladesh cricket team was also in the vicinity where the shooting had occurred. Taking to twitter  Bangalesh captain, Tamim Iqbal said that the team had made out of the incident unharmed. The team is currently in Christchurch to play against New Zealand in a third cricket test starting on Saturday.

Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers #christchurchMosqueAttack

— Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) March 15, 2019

Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirms there are multiple locations involved in the Christchurch shootings and calls it "one of New Zealand's darkest days". Ms Ardern says the incident is still "potentially unfolding" and warns people to stay safe while offering her condolences to victims and those affected by the tragedy. "This violence has absolutely no place in New Zealand this is not who we are. "This has occurred in a place where people should be safe and they weren't" she added.