Christchurch mosque terror attacks: Australian police raid houses in relation to attacks

12:53 pm on 18 March 2019

Counter-terror police in Australia have raided homes in New South Wales, including the house of the accused gunman's sister, as part of an investigation into the Christchurch terror attacks.

australia police generic

Photo: 123RF

Early on Monday morning, officers stormed a house in Sandy Beach, near Coffs Harbour, and then carried out a second raid a short time later at Maclean, about an hour north.

"The primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation," police said in a statement.

The family of the Australian man arrested in Christchurch over the attack, Brenton Tarrant, continued to assist with the investigation, police said.

Mr Tarrant has been charged with one count of murder, and New Zealand police have said more charges were likely.

On Friday, two mosques were attacked leaving 50 people dead and 50 people injured.

"The community can be assured that there is no information to suggest a current or impending threat related to these search warrants," Australian police said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said Mr Tarrant was not on any watch lists, while NSW Police said he was known in Australia only for minor traffic matters.

Maclean is about 51km away from the town of Grafton where Mr Tarrant grew up, while Coffs Harbour is about 85km away.

Mr Tarrant was originally from Grafton and worked as a personal training.

- ABC

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs