12 Dec 2016

New Caledonia police name main suspect

5:02 pm on 12 December 2016

Police in New Caledonia have appealed to the public to help arrest a man Ramon Noraro who is wanted in connection with the recent clashes near St Louis.

Mr Noraro, who is described as a St Louis resident in his 30s, is suspected of using a firearm in repeated and violent clashes which left five police officers with gunshot wounds.

Local media reports said Mr Noraro was also alleged to have entered a bingo hall last month and discharged a firearm.

The latest unrest blocked the main road south of Noumea from Friday night to Saturday morning, triggering another public outcry at the lack of security.

Last week, five people including a minor, were detained after a number of police raids in the St Louis area related to weeks of unrest.

Dozens of stolen cars had also been dumped and set alight during the latest bout of clashes which erupted in October after police shot dead an unarmed prison escapee driving a stolen car.

The repeated roadblocks and the lack of security have led to calls to build another road to avoid the St Louis area.

Road at St Louis again blocked

Road was last blocked on Friday for about 12 hours Photo: French High Commission in New Caledonia

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