NZ Christchurch, page-9

Courtesy of The Age.....

Multiple people have been reported dead after shootings at two Christchurch mosques, with the Armed Officers Squad also called to the Christchurch Hospital.

The New Zealand Herald says there are at least six casualties, with one eyewitness reporting seeing a man with an automatic rifle opening fire on the mosque during Friday prayers - the busiest time of the week.

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.

About 20 armed police are clearing buildings in Linwood, across from Eastgate Mall.