In New Zealand, a gunman opened fire at two mosques killing 49 people and seriously injuring 20 others in the Christchurch city.

The mosques were packed with worshippers gathered for Friday prayers.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the toll and termed the shooting as one of the country’s darkest days.

Condemning the attack, she said that there is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the gunman responsible for the New Zealand shootings was an Australian-born citizen.

Speaking at a press conference, Morrison described the attacker as an ‘extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist’.

New Zealand police say they have detained four people in connection with the deadly shootings and have neutralised a number of improvised explosive devices found.

The city has been placed in lockdown as police is hunting for an active shooter.

The police said, the risk environment remains extremely high and they are responding with their full capability to manage the situation.

Indian High Commission in New Zealand expressed shock on the shooting in Christchurch.

It said, Indian needing assistance can contact the High Commission at 021803899 or 021850033.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricket team’s tour of New Zealand has been called off in the wake of the attack.

The players were reportedly approaching the Al Noor mosque in Hagley Park in the bus, when the shooting broke out.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play New Zealand in the third and final Test of the series, beginning from Saturday. The International Cricket Council has shown its full support for the cancellation of the test match.

Political leaders across the world have expressed their disgust at the deadly New Zealand shooting.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, Jakarta strongly condemns this shooting act, especially at a place of worship.

Indonesia’s ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, told Reuters that inquiries are being made as to whether Indonesians were caught up in the attack.

Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the biggest party in Malaysia’s ruling coalition, described the attack as a black tragedy facing humanity and universal peace.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesperson condemned what he called a ‘racist and fascist’ attack.

Afghanistan’s envoy to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, called the attack heinous and said that three Afghans have been wounded.