Several people are feared dead after major rioting and unrest hit Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby.

Shops and cars were set on fire and supermarkets looted as hundreds took to the streets after police went on strike over a pay dispute.

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop said in a radio broadcast that the looting had been carried out by "opportunists".

The government has deployed the army to try and restore order.

"We have seen unprecedented level of strife in our city, something that has never happened before in the history of our city and our country," Mr Parkop said in a radio address, according to a Reuters report.

He added that "some people sadly lost their life today" though he did not give a number of dead.

BDST: 0955 HRS, JAN 11, 2024

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