Counter-terrorism police raid 'sister’s NSW home' over Christchurch massacre
Counter-terrorism police have raided two homes on the NSW mid-north coast, including one that’s believed to belong to the sister of the suspected gunman in the Christchurch terrorist attack.
Officers from the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team searched a property in Sandy Beach, near Coffs Harbour, about 8.30am on Monday.
It’s understood Brenton Tarrant’s sister lives there.
Plain-clothed detectives entered the home, which has had its windows and doors covered in black plastic sheets, to try and find any evidence for New Zealand investigators.
Another raid was carried out at a second home a short time later in Lawrence, near Maclean.
It’s understood Tarrant’s mother works in that region.
“The primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation,” the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police said in a joint statement.
“The community can be assured that there is no information to suggest a current or impending threat related to this search warrants.”
Tarrant, originally from Grafton in NSW, has been charged with murder over the massacre that killed 50 people at two Christchurch mosques on Friday.
His mother and sister remain in a safe house under police protection and there is no suggestion they did anything wrong.
“The family of the Australian man arrested in Christchurch continues to assist police with their inquiries,” police said in a statement.
“The NSW JCTT is unable to provide further detail regarding this matter.”
Tarrant was not on any watchlist in Australia or New Zealand, despite online profiles linked to him containing white supremacist material
The 28-year-old posted a 74-page “manifesto” online before the attack. A 17-minute video of the shootings was live-streamed.
The JCTT is made up of officers from the AFP, NSW Police, as well as ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission.
More to come.
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