The police commander in Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea said there have been no injuries as a result of shooting clashes in Alotau over the past two nights.
Superintendent Peter Barkie said, he understands the latest shooting incidents are related to similar events in Alotau two months ago.
He said a criminal group had fractured and factions had started fighting each other.
Papua New Guinea police Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Barkie said his small police team was unable to step in on Wednesday because of other pressing matters but he said they had a significant impact on the shooting on Thursday night.
"Last night we got the police ready and they waited, and when they started firing again police went in, they stopped. When police withdrew they started again. When police went in they stopped - it's like a cat and mouse game eh."
Barkie said police didn't exchange fire with the combatants.
Barkie said he had been sent into Milne Bay several months ago to try and restore the province's police force after a break down in leadership following a clashes with the notorious Tommy Baker gang.