“As-salamu alaykum” prefaced the New Zealand Police Speech

INA - SOURCES

After the multiple attacks on Christchurch mosques on Friday that have resulted in the death of more than 49 people and 40 injured, the New Zealand police issued a statement to all muslims.

Speaking at downtown Auckland's Aotea Square, Superintendent Naila Hassan told the crowd gathered she was a "proud Muslim, and a leader in the New Zealand Police"

She stated that New Zealand police is trying the best to offer any type of condolences to the families saying, "We want to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to ensure the victims of this devastating attack are treated with the utmost respect,”

Hassan also sent precautionary message during her speech saying, “This is a precautionary message to ensure the safety of our brothers and sisters and our communities around New Zealand,” adding, "I know this is a very very distressing time for our Muslim community in particular, but to everyone in our communities,"

She said there had been an increased police presence around mosques and Islamic centres nationwide.

"I am horrified, as are all my colleagues in the New Zealand Police, around the events in Christchurch."

In total, the attacks claimed 49 lives and left 48 people injured. Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, has been charged with murder over the attack.