NZ police botch terror charges

NEW Zealand police accidentally charged the mosque terror suspect with the murder of a person who is still alive.

Police charged Brenton Tarrant, 28, with murder after 50 were killed in last Friday’s attack on two mosques in Christchurch.

But officers yesterday revealed they incorrectly named someone on the charge sheet prepared for the Australian’s first court appearance tomorrow.

Police have spoken to the person named on the document – which will now be changed – and apologised.

The admission came as New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern declared a ban on military-style semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines such as those used in the shootings.

A sales ban, as well as an amnesty, are now in place, with laws banning ownership expected by April 11.

The suspect had purchased his weapons legally using a firearms licence.

There are nearly 250,000 licensed gun owners in New Zealand, which has a population of five million.