Man killed in Solomons election violence

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A man has been killed and another wounded after regional peacekeepers in the Solomon Islands fired shots during an election related brawl in Honiara early this morning.

Tongan forces fired the shots.

A reinforced New Zealand Army and Police contingent is in the Solomons but a spokesperson for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murray McCully, said they were not involved in the incident.

The Solomons is holding its elections this week with the Australian led Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI) boosting security across the archipelago.

During the country's 2005 elections rioters destroyed most of Honiara's China Town.

The Solomon Islands Police Force, led by New Zealander Peter Marshall, has been briefing cabinet over the incident which occurred on Titinge Ridge in West Honiara.

"Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident at Titinge that resulted in the unfortunate death of a male, aged in his 30's," Mr Marshall said in a statement.

"We are working closely with Guadalcanal leaders and family members of the deceased, and I ask that the public allow police to conduct their investigations in to this matter," he said.

The body of the man has been taken to Honiara's National Referral Hospital for an autopsy.

A large group of people have gathered at the hospital and police and RAMSI forces have increased security.

State owned Solomon Islands Broadcasting says the incident was fuelled by alcohol and involved up to 40 men.

The Solomons Star newspaper quoted an eye witness as saying the men were aligned to the winning candidate.

"We were woken up early this morning, and saw a huge brawl involving well over 40 men. It was very scary."

- © Fairfax NZ News