27 Jan 2015

Two teenagers held over New Caledonia police shooting

5:19 pm on 27 January 2015

Police in New Caledonia have arrested two teenagers over last week's shooting in Canala where two policemen were injured by gunfire.

Canala New Caledonia

Canala New Caledonia Photo: AFP

One of the officers was hit in the head and the other in the neck, prompting their transfer to Noumea's hospital.

The two teenagers were taken into custody on Saturday.

The 18-year-old, who is believed to have been the gunman, has been transferred to the prison in Noumea.

The 14-year-old presumed accomplice has been taken into care.

The police officers were reportedly fired at while waiting for reinforcements during the investigation of a car theft.

In recent months, there have been several incidents in rural parts of the main island where police officers have been shot at.