Police in Solomon Islands are investigating an armed robbery at a logging camp in the Shortland Islands believed to have been carried out by Bougainvilleans from across the border.
Photo: RNZ/Koroi Hawkins
According to a police statement the incident took place on Saturday at a logging camp of the Synergy Brisk Solomon Island and Alu Development logging companies.
Police said at least 10 men, wearing balaclavas and travelling in two boats, arrived at the camp around three in the afternoon firing shots into the air scaring employees and locals.
The police said men then proceeded to take tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment including eight chainsaws, a motor boat, a fuel drum and goods from the company store before fleeing back across the border to Bougainville.
Western Province police have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist them with their investigations.