Two homes in NSW raided as part of response to Christchurch terror attack

The mother of accused Christchurch shooter Brenton Tarrant has been escorted from her home after raids by counter-terrorism police.

NSW police have raided two homes on the NSW mid-north coast in connection to Friday’s massacre at Christchurch.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team executed search warrants at a property at Sandy Beach near Coffs Harbour about 8.30am today. It is believed to be the home of accused shooter Brenton Tarrant’s sister Lauren.

A short time later, the same team executed a second search warrant at a property in Lawrence near Maclean that is believed to be where the boyfriend of Tarrant’s mother Sharon lives.

Sharon was seen being escorted out of the property by officers.

Police escort Sharon Tarrant from a house in Lawrence after a search. Picture: Nathan Edwards

The two properties are believed to belong to family members of Tarrant, who was arrested and charged with murder after allegedly storming two New Zealand mosques and shooting dead 50 people.

The properties are 95km apart. Tarrant’s mother and sister had earlier been taken to a safe place for their protection.

The home in Sandy Beach raided by police. Picture: GLH/BACKGRID

A home in Lawrence, NSW, belonging to a family member of Brenton Tarrant. Picture: Backgrid. Pictured: GLH/BACKGRID

In a statement, NSW Police said the raids were “in support of the New Zealand Police investigation into Friday’s terrorist attack”.

“The primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation,” a spokesman said.

“The family of the Australian man arrested in Christchurch continues to assist police with their inquiries.

“The community can be assured that there is no information to suggest a current or impending threat related to this search warrants.”

Tarrant lived in Grafton, 500km northwest of Sydney, where he worked as a personal trainer at Big River Gym. He moved to the New Zealand city of Dunedin at some point in the last two or three years.

The raids in NSW come as Tarrant’s Australian relatives express their shock at what he is accused of doing.

Police raided this home in Lawrence, NSW, early this morning. Picture: Nathan Edwards

Brenton Tarrant has been charged with murder. Picture: Marck Mitchell/Getty Images

The 28-year-old’s grandmother, Marie Fitzgerald, told reporters she could not fathom how “somebody in our family would do anything like this”.

The 81-year-old told Nine News her grandson was “obviously not of sound mind”.

“It’s only since he travelled overseas I think, that that boy has changed completely from the boy we knew,” she said.

Tarrant’s uncle, Terry Fitzgerald, apologised on behalf of the family for his nephew’s alleged murderous act.

“We are so sorry for the families over there, for the dead and the injured,” Terry Fitzgerald said.

“What he has done is just not right.” Tarrant spent most of his time on computer games during his high school days rather than chasing girls, his grandmother added.

The family had dinner with Tarrant 12 months ago for his sister’s birthday in Grafton.

Flowers are left outside the Al Noor mosque after Friday’s massacre. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Brenton Tarrant’s heartbroken grandmother, Marie Fitzgerald.

Tarrant was arrested shortly before 2pm local time in Christchurch after entering two mosques with high-powered weapons and shooting dead those who were inside.

Police arrested the 28-year-old 36 minutes after the first call for help was received by operators. The dramatic arrest followed the release of a disturbing manifesto the accused sent to prominent New Zealanders, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Tarrant did not request bail during a brief court appearance on Saturday and will next appear on April 5. He has been charged with one count of murder but further charges are expected.

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