Two NSW tactical operations officers were among the first police officers to respond to the Christchurch mosque shootings.

Police sources have confirmed that the two officers were in the South Island city for an international sniping course run by the New Zealand military and police.

The alleged Christchurch shooter in court.Credit:Stuff.co.nz

When word of Australian Brenton Tarrant's alleged attacks on the Al Noor and Linwood mosques broke, the two officers and others from the course were deployed to the shootings.

Sources say that the men were issued with firearms, because the alleged attacker had not yet been apprehended.

Personnel from the New Zealand military were also deployed.

The Herald understands that the two men, as well as the other foreigners whose expertise was called upon in those first panicked minutes, were not sworn in as special constables but were kept under the supervision of high-level local police.

In Australia, federal police officers raided the North Coast homes of Tarrant's mother and sister following the shootings in which 50 Muslims were shot dead while at prayer.

Sources within the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team say that the women are co-operating with detectives.

Investigators say they do not have a particular target on their search, but are looking for any information that may provide their New Zealand counterparts with answers.

It is understood that Tarrant's mother and sister were immediately taken into protective custody after the attacks, and are staying in a safe house.

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