14 Apr 2007

Australian DNA evidence identifies those killed in Nuku'alofa riot

8:10 am on 14 April 2007

Police in Tonga have received DNA information from experts in Australia which confirms the identities of six bodies found in a building in Nuku'alofa burned down during last November's riot.

One other body was identified as a person earlier reported as missing.

Acting Police Commander, Taniela Faletau has told Radio Tonga that the information confirms that eight people died in the Shoreline office, the youngest a thirteen year old boy, earlier presumed to have been missing.

Authorities initially said that nine people were missing following the riot.

They now say eight of the nine are confirmed dead while one is still listed as missing.