Christchurch attacker charged with terrorism

The man accused of killing 51 people in the Christchurch mosque attacks will be formally charged with terrorism.

“The charge will allege that a terrorist act was carried out in Christchurch,” New Zealand police in a statement.

They said the decision to lay the terror charge was made after consulting prosecutors and government legal experts.

Brenton Tarrant also faces 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder over the March 15 attacks.  

 New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called the mosque attacks "one of New Zealand's darkest days".