Police in Wewak are yet to confirm the number of people killed in the clash. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Albert Beli said the situation was tense yesterday with police outnumbered, as trouble escalated.
He said they tried their best but the situation got out of hand with number of deaths unknown. PPC Beli said an urgent call has been made for additional manpower and back-up is expected to be sent to the fighting zone.
