The police in Solomon Islands say they have restored order in West Honiara where a house was burnt down following clashes between groups of armed men.
Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins
Reinforcements had to be brought in after the men, armed with homemade weapons and stones, also attacked firemen trying to control the fire.
There were no reports of injuries.
RNZ International understands the dispute centres on the serving of eviction notices to squatters in an area that the landowners have been trying to develop for more than ten years.
Police said they were increasing security and working with both parties to resolve the issue.
They asked for calm and said anyone found carrying weapons, inciting violence, or taking the law into their own hands would be dealt with swiftly.
