Australian Police Raid House Of New Zealand Shooter's Sister In New South Wales - Reports

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th March, 2019) Australian counter-terrorism police have raided two homes in New South Wales, including one belonging to the sister of Brenton Harrison Tarrant, the gunman who perpetrated fatal shootings at two mosques in New Zealand last week, local media reported on Monday.

According to 9 news broadcaster, the second search was carried out at a house that is believed to belong to the partner of Tarrant's mother.

"The Primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation," the police said in a statement as quoted by the broadcaster.

The police, in particular, assured that there is no any public security threat in connection with these searches.

The searches were carried out three days after New Zealand was rocked by the violent shooting in two mosques in eastern city of Christchurch, which left 50 people killed and dozens injured. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the shooting a terrorist act, saying it was the country's "darkest day." The suspected shooter is Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian national and a Dunedin resident. On Saturday, a court in New Zealand ruled to remand Tarrant in custody until April 5.