Aus police raid properties linked to New Zealand terror suspect

Australian counter-terrorism police on Monday searched two homes linked to the family members of the gunman accused of killing 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch to obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their investigation into the terror attack.

The attacker, identified by authorities as Australia-born Brenton Tarrant, 28, targeted immigrants during Friday prayers. Witnesses said victims were shot at close range.

He was arrested shortly after entering two mosques --Masjid Al Noor and Linwood - with high-powered weapons and shooting dead 50 people, including five Indians.

The New South Wales (NSW) Joint Counter Terrorism Team on Monday two properties on the state's mid-north coast.

One of the properties being searched belongs to Sharon Tarrant, the mother of the attacker.

''Around 8.30 this morning (local time) officers from the NSW JCTT executed a search warrant at a home in the town of Sandy Beach, near Coffs Harbour. A short time later, a second search warrant was executed at another home in Lawrence near Maclean,'' the statement said.

''The primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation,' it said adding ''the family of the Australian man arrested in Christchurch continues to assist police with their inquiries.'