13 Jun 2017

New Caledonia fugitive surrenders

12:33 pm on 13 June 2017

One of the two remaining fugitives wanted for attempted murder over New Caledonia's clashes near St Louis has surrendered.

Prosecutors say Pascal Gnibekan gave himself up a week ago after negotiations with the village, customary authorities and his family.

A total of 18 people have now been imprisoned over the violence near St Louis which erupted in October when police shot dead an unarmed prison escapee in a stolen vehicle.

The St Louis area was beset with unrest for weeks forcing the repeated closure of the main road from Noumea to the territory's south.

Gunmen also fired shots at traffic and police north of Noumea, leaving more than a dozen police officers with injuries.

The clashes prompted Paris to send police reinforcements.