'Visible police presence' at Welsh mosques following fatal mass shootings in Christchurch

Security is being stepped up at mosques in South Wales following two mass shootings in New Zealand where at least 49 people have been killed.

Armed police patrol outside a mosque in central Christchurch Credit: AP

Police have arrested three men and a woman in connection with the terror attack and have charged a man in his late-20s with murder.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.

Brenton Tarrant, 28, from Australia, was named in media reports in his home country as the gunman who appeared to have live-streamed the attack in Christchurch on Facebook as he shot victims in a mosque.

In a 74-page manifesto, believed to have been written by Tarrant, he cites anti-immigrant motives and wrote of his support for the likes of Finsbury Park mosque attacker Darren Osborne, who was from Cardiff.

Matt Jukes of South Wales Police tweeted to say they "understand such tragedies send shockwaves across faith communities" along with the hashtag #WeStandTogether.

Wales has an estimated 40 mosques - most of which are in Cardiff.

Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty said he has been in touch with South Wales Police Commissioner Alun Michael who confirmed steps are being taken locally to keep communities safe.

A vigil for the New Zealand victims took place in Cardiff on Friday evening. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

A vigil organised by the Muslim Council of Wales was held in Cardiff on Friday evening in solidarity with the victims of the attack.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, was in attendance at the Temple of Peace where he spoke of his support for New Zealand and the victims of the shooting.

The leader of Cardiff Council Huw Thomas called is an "unspeakably shocking and horrifying act of terrorism".