Christchurch, Mar 15 (AFP) Multiple people were killed and several injured Friday when a gunman opened fire at a crowded mosque during afternoon prayers in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand media reported.

Local media reported up to six people were dead, and the South Island city was placed in lockdown as police hunted for an "active shooter".

"A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter," police said in a statement. (AFP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)