United Nations, March 16 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "shocked and appalled at the terrorist attack" at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, his spokesperson said on Friday.

Guterres "recalls the sanctity of mosques and all places of worship" and "calls upon all people on this holy day for Muslims to show signs of solidarity with the bereaved Islamic community," Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, said at a press briefing.

"The UN Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of working better together globally to counter Islamophobia and eliminate intolerance and violent extremism in all its forms," he added.

The UN chief also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of New Zealand.

Earlier on Friday, gunmen opened fire at two separate mosques in Christchurch, killing 49 people and wounding 48 others.

--IANS vin/