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YouTuber PewdiePie has responded after one of the suspected New Zealand gunmen praised him shortly before opening fire.

At least 49 people have been killed after two massacres at mosques in Christchurch. Four people are under arrest.

Mosques in Deans Avenue and Linwood Avenue were targeted in the attack, but police urged all mosques across New Zealand to shut their doors in the wake of the incident.

In the killer's live-stream, he can be seen parking his vehicle outside the Hagley Park mosque, before taking two guns and walking a short distance to the entrance of the building.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The gunman says "let's get this party started" as he drives up with loud music playing.

He also says "Remember lads, subscribe to pewdiepie", referencing the controversial YouTuber.

PewdiePie, real name Felix Kjellberg, is a 29-year-old YouTuber and comedian with 89 million subscribers.

(Image: PA)

In 2017 one of the videos "appeared to show" him using the racial slur "n****r".

He has been accused of promoting racism and anti-Semitism.

PewdiePie tweeted: "Just heard news of the devastating reports from New Zealand Christchurch.

"I feel absolutely sickened having my name uttered by this person.

"My heart and thoughts go out to the victims, families and everyone affected by this tragedy."

Police said they had defused a number of improvised explosive devices found on vehicles after the shootings.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "We have undoubtedly experienced an attack today that is unprecedented, unlike anything that we have experienced before.

"But, as I say, New Zealand has been chosen because we are not a place where violent extremism exists.

"We reject those notions and we must continue to reject them. This is not an enclave for that kind of behaviour, for that kind of ideology.

"We will and must reject it. This is a place where people should feel secure and will feel secure.

"I am not going to let this change New Zealand's profile, none of us should."