"We need to make sure we are not divided" - Lincoln unites to condemn New Zealand terrorist attacks

People of different faiths have gathered at Lincoln's mosque to make a united stand against hatred and prejudice after at least 49 people were killed in attacks at two mosques in New Zealand.

One of the terrorists - an immigrant-hating white nationalist who wielded at least two rifles - live-streamed the mass shootings in a horrifying video.

One man was arrested and charged with murder, and two other armed suspects were taken into custody.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was was "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

At the mosque in Lincoln in Dixon Street,, Tanweer Ahmed, chairman of the Islamic Association of Lincoln, said: "We pray that God will help us and keep us united in this difficult time and at all times.

"We need to make sure we are not divided."

Reverend Bruce Thompson, chairman of Lincolnshire Methodist District, spoke of the importance of communities being united against hatred.

He said: "I cannot imagine the sorrow and grief and the fear that perhaps some of you experience as a consequence of an attack of this kind.

"An attack on a person of faith because of their faith is an attack upon us all.

"We are all children of God and stand in solidarity with one another.

"Our world stands still today with one voice to declare that prejudice and hatred of our neighbours irrespective of culture or creed is totally unacceptable."

Richard Dale, representing the Jewish community of Lincoln, spoke of the "complete solidarity" between Jews and Muslims.

And Councillor Chris Burke, spoke on behalf of the city council leader when he said: "I want you to know that we love you as fellow citizens of Lincoln."

Jasmit Kaur Phull, a Sikh, told Lincolnshire Live said she was deeply saddened by the events in New Zealand.

She said: "It brought me to tears. It must stop."

Steve Griffiths, a member of the Lincoln Council of Christians and Jews, said: "On behalf of the whole Jewish community in Lincoln, I utterly condemn all forms of violence and send heartfelt condolences and prayers to members of the Islamic Society in Lincoln, who must be feeling very vulnerable and worried despite the atrocities taking place so far away.

"Such horrific events have no justification. We add our hopes and prayers for a peaceful and tolerant world."

The attack shocked people across a nation of five million people which has relatively loose gun laws but is so peaceful even police officers rarely carry firearms.

The gunman behind at least one of the mosque shootings left a 74-page manifesto that he posted on social media under the name Brenton Tarrant, identifying himself as a 28-year-old Australian and white nationalist who was out to avenge attacks in Europe by Muslims.

Using what is believed to be a helmet camera, he live-streamed to the world in graphic detail his assault on worshippers at Christchurch's Al Noor Mosque, where at least 41 people were killed.

An attack on a second mosque in the city not long after killed several more.

Police did not identify those taken into custody and gave no details except to say that none of them had been on any watch list.

There were 49 people killed in the attacks and 48 people injured, who being treated at Christchurch Hospital for gunshot wounds, authorities said.

While there was no reason to believe there were any more suspects, the prime minister said the national threat level was raised from low to high.

Police warned Muslims against going to a mosque anywhere in the country, and Air New Zealand cancelled several flights in and out of Christchurch, saying it could not properly screen customers and baggage.

Police said the investigation extended 240 miles to the south, where homes in Dunedin were evacuated around a "location of interest".

Witness Len Peneha said he saw a man dressed in black enter the Al Noor mosque and then heard dozens of shots, followed by people running out in terror.

Mr Peneha, who lives next door, said the gunman ran out of the mosque, dropped what appeared to be a semi-automatic weapon in his driveway and fled. He said he then went into the mosque to try to help the victims.

"I saw dead people everywhere. There were three in the hallway, at the door leading into the mosque, and people inside the mosque," he said. "I don't understand how anyone could do this to these people, to anyone. It's ridiculous."

He said the gunman was wearing a helmet with some kind of device on top, giving him a military-type appearance.

In the video that was apparently live-streamed, the gunman spends more than two minutes inside the mosque spraying terrified worshippers with bullets again and again, sometimes firing at people he has already cut down.

He then walks outside, where he shoots at people on the pavement. Children's screams can be heard in the distance as he returns to his car to get another rifle. The gunman then walks back into the mosque, where there are at least two dozen people lying on the ground.

After going back outside and shooting a woman there, he gets back in his car.

The second attack took place at the Linwood mosque about three miles away.

The man who claimed the Al Noor shooting said he was not a member of any organisation, acted alone and chose New Zealand to show that even the most remote parts of the world are not free of "mass immigration".