'You guys are all in paradise': Tearful Muslim and All Black star Sonny Bill Williams pays tribute to the 40 victims of the Christchurch mosque massacre

  • Rugby star Sonny Bill Williams paid tearful tribute to Mosque shooting victims
  • Up to 49 people were killed in a horrific shooting at a Christchurch Mosque 
  • Horrific attack live streamed online by man identified as Brenton Tarrant, 28
  • Four people have been arrested over the shooting, three men and one woman 

By HANNAH MOORE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams has shared an emotional tribute to those killed in Friday's mosque shooting in New Zealand. 

Up to 49 people are believed to have died after a gunman, who identified himself on Twitter as Brenton Tarrant, 28, stormed the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch on Friday about 1.30pm local time.   

A video of the shooting shows him firing multiple shots at dozens of people as they try to flee. 

In a video posted to Twitter, a tearful Williams, who is a devout Muslim, said he 'couldn't put into words how I feel right now'. 

Williams, who has had a decorated rugby and rugby league career in both Australia and New Zealand, is one of the most prominent followers of Islam in both countries.  

A man dressed in 'army' gear entered Noor Mosque in Christchurch around 1.30pm local time opening fire while hundreds of people were taking part in Friday prayer

A man dressed in 'army' gear entered Noor Mosque in Christchurch around 1.30pm local time opening fire while hundreds of people were taking part in Friday prayer 

The 33-year-old told followers he was sending prayers to the loved ones of those killed, and praying himself the victims would end up in paradise. 

'Just sending my duas (prayers) and Mashallah (god willing) - everyone that's been killed today in Christchurch... your families ... [I'm] just sending my duas to your loved ones and Mashallah you guys are all in paradise,' he said. 

'I'm just deeply, deeply saddened that this would happen in New Zealand.'

Four people, three men and one woman, have been taken into custody, but it is unclear whether the gunman is one of those people.    

The suspected gunman posted a 73-page manifesto to Twitter before the killings, describing them as a 'terrorist attack'.

In the manifesto, where he also identifies as a white supremacist, the man says he is of 'British stock'.  

The armed offenders squad (pictured) was seen investigating the shooting on Friday afternoon

The armed offenders squad (pictured) was seen investigating the shooting on Friday afternoon

People were also reportedly shot at the nearby Linwood Masjid mosque.

There are also reports of another shooting outside Christchurch Hospital and that a bomb was found in a car three kilometres from the mosque.

Police have urged people near the area to stay indoors and report suspicious behaviour, describing the incident as 'critical'.  

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said there were multiple casualties as a result of shootings at two mosques and at Christchurch Hospital.

He urged Muslims in New Zealand not to go to mosques today.

Pictured: Bloodied bandages on the road after the shooting at the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch

Pictured: Bloodied bandages on the road after the shooting at the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch

A man is seen crying as he speaks on the phone outside the Christchurch mosque

A man is seen crying as he speaks on the phone outside the Christchurch mosque

Police have four in custody, three men and one woman. It is not known if the man who filmed the attack has been arrested

Police have four in custody, three men and one woman. It is not known if the man who filmed the attack has been arrested

TIMELINE OF TERROR 

A 28-year-old Australian man entered a mosque in central Christchurch on Friday afternoon and opened fire on people gathered inside the building - killing at least 49 people and leaving more than 20 seriously injured.

This is how the incident unfolded in local New Zealand Time.

1.40pm: First reports of a shooting at a mosque in central Christchurch. 

A man entered the mosque with an automatic weapon and opened fire on people inside. 

2.11pm: Police confirmed they were attending an 'evolving situation' in Christchruch.

Gunshots are heard in the area outside Masid Al Noor Mosque on Deans Avenue.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, with one saying she attempted to give CPR to an injured person but they died.

2.17pm: Multiple schools went into lockdown in Christchurch. 

People who were in the mosque began to leave covered in blood and with gunshot wounds.

2.47pm: First reports of six people dead, three in a critical condition and three with serious injuries.

2.54pm:  Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the situation is 'serious and evolving' and told people to remain indoors and stay off the streets.

The Canterbury District Health Board activated its mass casualty plan.

3.12pm: New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cancelled her afternoon arrangements.

3.21pm: Christchurch City Council locked down many of their central city buildings. 

3.33pm: First reports of a bomb in a beige Subaru that crashed on Strickland Street, three kilometres from the shootings.

3.40pm: Police confirmed there were multiple simultaneous attacks on mosques in Christchurch.

3.45pm: Reports of multiple shots fired at the shootings, which are ongoing.

3.59pm: 300 people were reported to be inside the moque.

4.00pm: One person is confirmed to be in custody but there are warnings there may be others out there.

Police commissioner Mike Bush urges Muslims across New Zealand to stay away from their local mosque.

4.10pm: Jacinda Ardern calls Friday 'one of New Zealand's darkest days'. 

5.27pm: First reports of a second shooting.

A witness said a Muslim local chased the shooters at the mosque in Linwood, firing in 'self defence'. 

5.31pm: Four people are confirmed to be in custody. including one woman.

Multiple fatalities were reported.

7.07pm: It was confirmed an AR15 rifle was used in the attack.

7.20pm: Dunedin Street was cordoned off.

Reports the attackers planned to also target the Al Huda Mosque.

7.26pm: At least 40 people were confirmed dead, Jacinda Ardern confirmed.

7.34pm: Confirmed that 48 people were being treated in hospital. 

7.46pm: Britomart train station in central Auckland was evacuated after bags were found unattended.

The bags were deemed not suspicious. 

8.35pm: New Zealand's Government confirmed this is the first time ever the terror level has been lifted from low to high.

9.03pm: Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirms that the death toll has risen to 49.

He also confirmed that a man in his late twenties was charged with murder.

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