Aus PM condemns terror attacks in New Zealand, says terrorists dont deserve names

With an Australia-born man emerging as the prime suspect in one of the two terror attacks in New Zealand, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said he cannot understand how anyone who would engage in such hate and violence can be called a "human".

At least 49 worshippers were killed in attacks on the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city's outer suburb, in what appeared to be the worst attack against Muslims in a western country.

Witnesses said victims being shot at close range, with women and children believed to be among those killed.

The gunman at one mosque was an Australian-born citizen, Morrison said in Sydney, describing him as "an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist".

Morrison said an investigation has been launched into the Australian man's involvement in the attack.

"We are outraged and we stand here and condemn absolutely the attack that occurred today by an extremist, right-wing violent terrorist who has taken the lives, stolen lives, in a vicious, murderous attack that has claimed so many New Zealanders," Morrison said from Kirribilli House.

Morrison said he had no information to suggest any Australians had been killed but noted it was "very early on" and the situation was unfolding.

Media reports identified Brenton Tarrant, an Australia-born man, as one of the suspects.

A manifesto posted to social media by a person claiming to be named Brenton Tarrant notes he was born in Australia and it is believed he spent time living in Grafton, in northern New South Wales.

"These people don't deserve names," Morrison later said.

"Names imply some sort of humanity and I struggle to see how anyone who would engage in this sort of hate and violence is human. He doesn't deserve a name."
"That sort of hateful thinking has just reaped murder and misery on a peaceful people just going about their practice of faith on a Friday. It's disgusting."