Australian police officers raid the homes of the Christchurch mosque shooter’s sister and mother

Counter-terrorism police have raided two homes as part of investigations into the Christchurch terrorist attack.

Officers from the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team searched a property in Sandy Beach, near Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast about 8.30am on Monday, before storming a second house at Lawrence, near Maclean.

‘The primary aim of the activity is to formally obtain material that may assist New Zealand Police in their ongoing investigation,’ the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police said in a joint statement. 

Brenton Tarrant’s sister lives at the Sandy Beach property while his mother lives in Lawrence. 

There is a heavy police presence at both properties. 

Tarrant, 28, was charged with murder after he allegedly shot and killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday.

Tarrant’s mother, Sharon, is a teacher at a local school. She had to be whisked away by police mid-class when reports of the attack first came through on Friday.

She and Tarrant’s sister, Lauren, have been placed under police protection, without mobile phone contact with the rest of their family.

He grew up in the north-eastern NSW town of Grafton before moving to New Zealand in 2017.

Tarrant’s family has been assisting police with their inquiries after the massacre. 

The last time Tarrant returned home to NSW was for his sister’s birthday last year.