30 Jan 2017

Gunfire again closes New Caledonia road

4:17 pm on 30 January 2017

Gunfire south of Noumea has prompted the police in New Caledonia to close the road to the main island's very south.

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Photo: AFP

Two cars were hit by bullets shot from the St Louis area and according to the public broadcaster a motorist was injured by a stone thrown at their vehicle.

When the police arrived, one of their vehicles was hit by gunfire as well and two officers were reportedly injured.

The French High Commission now said the road won't reopen today.

The shooting incident occurred late on Sunday and is the latest in a string of disruptions along the same stretch of road.

In November, the same road was closed for up to three days at a time, prompting the French government to commit another 53 police to New Caledonia who are due to arrive next month.

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