Over ten criminals were allegedly shot dead by police this morning in Kimbe, West New Britain province after a botched armed robbery by the criminal gang.

It was alleged that the criminal gang attempted to rob at shop in Kimbe town when police pounced on them, killing all thirteen of them. The gang were in a vehicle and armed with mostly homemade guns, machetes and other form of weapons.

It is understood that the provincial law and order committee, which includes the provincial police commander, is currently in a closed door meet deliberating on the incident and on further law and order measures to take.

PNG Hausbung will provide more details to this story as more information is gathered.