Christchurch, March 15 (RHC)-- New Zealand police have defused several improvised explosive devices found attached to vehicles in Christchurch following mass shootings at two mosques that left 49 people dead. 

The shooter entered the Masjid Al Noor mosque 10 minutes after prayers began and let off “dozens, if not hundreds of rounds,” witness Ahmad al-Mahmoud told New Zealand outlet Stuff.  He described the man as white-skinned, blond, short and wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest.

A second shooting took place at Linwood Masjid, where a witness says they saw a man leave the mosque wearing camouflage gear and a motorcycle helmet, while unconfirmed reports indicate a bomb was found nearby.  

Four suspects are currently in custody, including one woman, and public facilities remain on lockdown while police are urging mosques elsewhere in New Zealand to close their doors for the remainder of the day.  One of those detained has been confirmed to be an Australian citizen.

Officers cleared buildings near the mosques, while Christchurch schools have been placed on lockdown.  Another witness said he saw “a man in handcuffs being led away by police.”