An Australian politician has sparked outrage after blaming immigration for a terror attack at two mosques in New Zealand.

While he said he was “utterly opposed to any form of violence”, independent Queensland senator Fraser Anning claimed “what it highlights is the growing fear within our community, both in Australia and New Zealand, of the increasing Muslim presence”.

He added in a statement: “As always, left-wing politicians and the media will rush to claim that the causes of today’s shootings lie with gun laws or those who hold nationalist views but this is all cliched nonsense.

“The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration programme which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”

Senator Anning also claimed that while Muslims “may have been the victims today, usually they are the perpetrators”.

At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Show all 17 1 /17 At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Paramedics assist a man wounded in the shootings EPA At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Bloodied bandages lie on the road following the shootings EPA At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Police officers console a man at the scene of the shootings AP At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks at a press conference following the shootings Getty At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Masjid Al Noor mosque on Deans Avenue in Christchurch, the scene of the first shooting EPA At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack A tribute left near the Linwood Masjid mosque. The letter reads: thinking of everyone on this most tragic of days. We are neighbours & community here in Linwood & our hearts are with you Getty At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Armed police stand at the scene of the attack AFP/Getty At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack A forensic official works at the scene AFP/Getty At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack A car damaged in the shooting AFP/Getty At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Armed police stand at the scene of the attack Getty At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack A survivor stands outside Christchurch hospital Getty At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Emergency responders help a wounded man at the scene of the shooting at a mosque in Christchurch AP At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack People wait near the scene of the shootings AP At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Paramedics help a wounded man at the scene of the shooting at a mosque in Christchurch AP At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Members of the Armed Offenders Squad push back members of the public at the scene EPA At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack Ambulances at the scene of the shootings AP At least 49 killed in New Zealand terror attack New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks at a press conference following the shootings Getty

A gunman broadcast live footage on Facebook of the attack on one mosque in the city of Christchurch, after publishing a “manifesto” in which he denounced immigrants.

Police declared a “critical incident” after the initial, deadliest attack began at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Deans Avenue – where up to 500 people are thought to have been worshipping – and warned residents an “active shooter” was in the area.

A second shooting then took place at a mosque on Linwood Avenue. Police urged mosques across the country to close their doors and worshippers to stay away.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand had been placed on its highest security threat level, and that three men and one woman, who held extremist views but had not been on any police watchlists, were in police custody.

She added that it was “clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack”.