CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Several people were reported dead when a gunman opened fire at a crowded mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, during afternoon prayers on Friday.

Local media reported up six people were dead and the South Island city was placed in lockdown as police hunted for an "active shooter".

"A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter," police said in a statement.

"Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high."

The Masjid al Noor was filled with worshippers, including members of the Bangladesh cricket team.

One witness told stuff.co.nz he was praying in the Deans Ave mosque when he heard shooting and saw his wife lying dead on the footpath outside when he fled.

Another man said he saw children being shot.

"There were bodies all over me," he said.

An eyewitness told Radio New Zealand he heard shots fired and four people were lying on the ground, with "blood everywhere".

Unconfirmed reports said the shooter was wearing military-style clothing.

Police commissioner Mike Bush said all schools in the city had been placed in lockdown in response to "a serious ongoing firearms incident".

"Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay off the streets and report any suspicious behaviour," he said in a statement.

Central city buildings, including the Civic Offices and Central Library, were also locked down.

The city council offered a helpline for parents looking for kids attending a mass climate change rally nearby.

"Please do not try and come and collect your children until police say it is safe for people to come into the central city," they said.

There was no official information on casualties but a Bangladesh cricket team spokesman said none of the players were hurt.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he said.

He said the attack happened as some of Bangladesh players disembarked from a team bus and was about to enter the mosque.

He said most of the players went to the mosque.

Team escapes shooting

Bangladesh’s cricket team escaped unscathed after a shooting at a mosque in central Christchurch, an official said on Friday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he said.

Player Tamim Iqbal tweeted that it was a "frightening experience" and that there were "active shooters".

"Entire team got saved from active shooters!!!" tweeted Tamim Iqbal.

"Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers."

Local media said there were multiple casualties at one mosque and that another had been evacuated. — AFP