British man arrested ‘for supporting New Zealand mosque attack in online post’

A man has been detained in Greater Manchester for a social media post that allegedly supports the New Zealand mosque attack.

Officers said the 24-year-old from Oldham allegedly made a post making reference and support for the terrible events in Christchurch.
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He was detained on suspicion of sending malicious communications.

A police spokesman said: ‘This is a very difficult time for people. The events in New Zealand have reverberated around the world. Many people are in deep shock and are worried.
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‘It is at times like this that, as a community, we stand together.
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‘Where the law permits and people cross the line, we will take robust action, which may include arrest and prosecution.’

Forty-nine people were killed in the attacks on two mosques in the city by a white supremacist.

Brenton Tarrant, 28, from Australia, is accused of slaughtering dozens of worshippers and injuring another 50 as they attended Friday prayers.

He ‘live-streamed’ the terror attack in New Zealand and outlined his anti-immigrant motives in a manifesto posted online.

Tarrant appeared to make a white hand power symbol with his right hand as he arrived in court charged with one count of murder.

Police said further charges were expected to follow.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said three people, including Tarrant, had been arrested in the wake of the attack.

A fourth person arrested on Friday, who was in possession of a firearm, but with the intention of assisting police, has since been released.

Forty-one people were killed at the Masjid Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue in central Christchurch, seven were killed at the suburban Linwood Masjid Mosque, and one person died at the Christchurch Hospital.

Ms Ardern said in a press conference that the country’s gun laws would change in the wake of the attack.