Bodies returned with 28 injured still in hospital

Two more victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack have improved enough to be moved from intensive care and another has been discharged from hospital.

Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates said 28 people injured in the mosque shootings remained in Christchurch Hospital yesterday, including six still in critical condition in intensive care.

Four-year-old Alen Alsati, who was flown to Starship in Auckland, remains in a critical condition and her father, Wasseim Alsati, is in a stable condition in Auckland City Hospital.

Police yesterday completed the identification process for all 50 victims, allowing them to release their bodies to their families.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush thanked the victims’ families for the support they had shown police and their coronial colleagues as they worked through the formal procedures.

‘‘We know that the wait to have your loved ones returned to you has been difficult and our thoughts have been with you,’’ he said.

‘‘I want to reassure you again that we absolutely recognise how vital the return of your loved ones is. We have been doing everything in our power to return them to you as quickly as possible, while also ensuring that we have the evidence and information we need for a criminal prosecution.’’

A police team of family liaison officers continued to support families, Bush said.

A cross-agency team has also been created to organise a national memorial event.

Discussions are being held with the Muslim community to

establish an appropriate date for the event.

The Christchurch City Council is encouraging people to continue laying flowers and pay their respects in Rolleston Ave along the Botanic Gardens frontage.

Flowers are also being placed at the intersection of Linwood Ave and Aldwins Rd, and the intersection of Cashel St and Linwood Ave.

Flower tributes left along Deans Ave were moved by council staff and volunteers yesterday in preparation for the cordon there to be lifted today. The tributes were carefully relocated to outside the mosque, further along Deans Ave, at the request of the Muslim community.

Meanwhile, counsellors have provided 3761 sessions on the freephone helpline 1737 since last Friday’s terrorist attack.

About 130 counselling sessions were provided between midnight and 11am yesterday alone.

‘‘I want to reassure you again that we absolutely recognise how vital the return of your loved ones is. We have been doing everything in our power to return them to you as quickly as possible . . .’’ Police Commissioner Mike Bush