Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Locals in West Papua upset over a shooting cause mayhem

Posted at 22:49 on 05 December, 2012 UTC

Angry mobs set fire to two police stations and two markets in Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia after police shot dead a man as he attempted to escape arrest

The mobs also reportedly blockaded the main roads in the city, disrupting regular activity in the city.

Markets were closed while schools ordered the students to go home early.

The Papua Police deputy chief says the mobs destroyed and set fire to the stations while parading an empty coffin symbolising the death of Timotius AP.

The Jakarta Post says Timotius, convicted of numerous crimes - including robbery and rape - was shot after police attempted to arrest him on Tuesday.

He had escaped from prison in August where he was was serving an 18-year prison term.

Police say they were forced to shoot him because he was carrying a firearm.

“Meanwhile, the Mobile Brigade and community control unit (Dalmas) personnel have been sent to safeguard the city.”