24 Dec 2010

Solomons police grapple with overstayer

2:39 pm on 24 December 2010

Solomon Islands police have arrested a Sri Lankan man after he escaped from the airport from where he was about to be deported.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation says the man was escorted by the police to the Honiara International Airport to be deported for illegally residing in the country.

However, a group of armed men charged into the departure lounge, threatened police and security officers before escaping with him in a waiting vehicle.

Police say he has been arrested again.

They says they are still looking for another four people linked to the incident.

Police also say they are aware that there is a stay order for the foreigner's deportation.