Police raid two Christchurch homes following online terror attack threats

Police raid two Christchurch homes following online terror attack threats
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Armed police have raided two Christchurch homes after a person made a series of online posts threatening a terror attack involving car bombs on March 15, the second anniversary of the mosque massacre.

The threats were made against Al Noor and Linwood Mosques, which were attacked two years ago.

Police confirmed that members of the Armed Offenders Squad carried out search warrants at the properties in St Albans and Linwood shortly before 6pm on Thursday.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price says two men were arrested, but have yet to be charged.

"We take all threats of this nature seriously and we are working closely with our Muslim community."

"Any messages of hate or people wanting to cause harm in our community will not be tolerated - it's not the Kiwi way."

Enquiries into the matter are ongoing. Police add that anyone who sees or hears of anything suspicious can contact 105 or Crimestoppers.

Australian terrorist Brenton Tarrant opened fire at Christchurch's Al Noor Mosque on March 15, 2019, before driving to Linwood Mosque where he opened fire again.

The attack sparked an outpouring of support for the Muslim community in New Zealand and around the world.

He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in August last year. Earlier that year in March, he pleaded guilty to and was convicted of killing 51 people and injuring another 40 in an act of terror in 2019.