Police in Alotau burnt more than 12 houses early last night after they accused members of the settlement community of harboring criminals involved in an armed robbery hours earlier.
Residents at the Kitava Compound were forced out of their homes, questioned and then their homes set on fire.
One resident who didn’t want to be named said women and children who were in their homes were told to get out.
“We were surrounded by armed task force members. Firing everywhere. They brought us together and questioned us if we knew who these criminals were.
“They fired tear gas. Children were crying and we ran towards town. Later they Burned the houses, ransacked my house.”
Hours before the police attack, a local business was robbed by a group of criminals. Eyewitnesses said a vehicle was also stolen during the robbery and the criminals used it to escape.
From text messages eyewitnesses say they believe the criminals escaped through the Kitava compound to draw police off their trail.
I am yet to confirm reports that an elderly woman was shot and killed in the attack. If you have any more information, please contact me.
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