Kent MPs have shared messages of shock after 49 were killed in attacks on two New Zealand mosques.

Worshippers at two mosques in the Christchurch area of the country were targeted in the shootings in the early hours of this morning - early afternoon, New Zealand time.

Another 39 people are in hospital following the attack.

Four Kent MPs have taken to Twitter to share words of shock and condolence, since the tragic news broke.

Canterbury and Whitstable MP Rosie Duffield wrote: "Almost impossible to believe this awful incident could happen in New Zealand, my sons' second home, one of the most peaceful places in the world."

Craig Mackinlay - Member of Parliament for South Thanet - echoed the shock expressed by Ms Duffield, adding: "My thoughts go to the families of those cruelly murdered."

Meanwhile, Tom Tugendhat - MP for Tonbridge and Malling and chairman of the House of Commons' foreign affairs committee - wrote: "This vile attack on peaceful worshippers is an attack on all who value freedom of faith and thought. We must stand together against hatred, against racism, and particularly today, against Islamophobia."

Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti also tweeted, saying: "Poisonous extremist ideology must be challenged & defeated at every level."

An Australian man in his late 20s has since been charged with murder, and is due to appear in court on Saturday.

Armed officers have been stationed outside mosques in the country as a precaution.