Christchurch mosque

Police investigate message left near mosque

The message written on the footpath outside Masjid An-Nur in Riccarton yesterday, and was reported to the police by the Muslim Association of Canterbury.

RNZ understands the message was written while worshippers were at afternoon prayers.

Canterbury police District Commander John Price said the incident is being taken very seriously.

"We take any messaging that has any concern to it extremely seriously and a report has been completed and that has been assigned to an investigator," he said.

Active shooter reported at Christchurch mosque

Witnesses told local media there were several casualties inside the building. Police have warned people to avoid the area.

Christchurch hospital and all of the city's schools have been placed on lockdown.

Eyewitnesses have reported running for their lives to escape a shooter.

Mohan Ibrahim told the New Zealand Herald: "At first we thought it was an electric shock but then all these people started running.

"I still have friends inside.

"I have been calling my friends but there are many I haven't heard from. I am scared for my friends lives."