The Christchurch gunman, Australian born Brenton Tarrant has been charged with murder.

Police have swarmed Auckland’s Britomart train station where it’s understood a controlled explosion has taken place, leaving New Zealanders further on edge.

The armed officers cordoned off the station and nearby streets amid reports two backpacks were left unattended about 7pm local time.

People in the area posted footage of several loud explosions going off, understood to be the backpacks being blown up by the defence force.

There have now been three explosions. Have seen a bomb disposal robot moving around and there's a heavy police presence. Based on other info, appears to be a few bags that we're left that police are being proactive about — Greater Auckland (@GreaterAKL) March 15, 2019

The Bomb Squard had just arrived at Britomart, Auckland, New Zealand.

A sad day for us in New Zealand https://t.co/OjA6uTwqWD pic.twitter.com/ig8eF09vhY — David Lim (@davidlim) March 15, 2019

Trains stopped running, restaurants were closed and people were asked to evacuate the area.

A bomb disposal robot was seen moving around the backpacks.

It came after today’s horror events in Christchurch where a gunman opened fire at two separate mosques, killing at least 49 people.

Terrified residents shared their thoughts on social media, saying they hope this is the end of today’s devastating events.

“Terrible day here in NZ,” wrote one man on Twitter.

Another wrote: “What is happening to this country”.

One woman wrote how she was still scared to use the trains.

“I’m scared. The station is open again but I’m still worried,” she said.

BOMB SCARE IN BRITOMART AUCKLAND.



Arrived into Britomart to catch my train only to find we had a bomb scare. Someone planted an orange package that could have explosives in... https://t.co/kTIUD92qH2 — Lilian Ruth Tofinga (@LTofinga) March 15, 2019

I don’t even have words. Horrific what has happened today in Christchurch. And now a bomb threat in Auckland??? Praying for everyone and hope outing else happens 💕💕 — Sarah (@starjamgirl) March 15, 2019

so much has happened today, the mass shooting in Christchurch and the bomb threats in central Auckland, I’m honestly terrified and feel for everyone affected and the lives lost today. sending all my love and support to other new zealanders x — grace ◟̽◞̽ (@lrrystyles) March 15, 2019

Also I heard there was a bomb scare in Britomart train station in Auckland... Damn scary times for us Kiwis.... we shall all just stay home and be safe, avoid crowded places for now.. Take care everyone 💜 — Jhon Carl (@supah_jai) March 15, 2019

I feel sick and shocked. I don't understand how people can be so evil, so lacking in compassion and culpable of such horror. Especially in one of my favourite places on this small planet. And a bomb found in Auckland?! — 𝕶𝖆𝖞𝖑𝖊𝖊 (@kcaw_) March 15, 2019

The situation was resolved and services resumed.