NZ soldiers ordered to wear body armour after Solomons killing

New Zealand peacekeeping soldiers in Solomon Islands have stepped up their security after an Australian policeman was shot dead by a rebel sniper yesterday.

Canberra policeman, Adam Dunning, 26, was not wearing body armour when he was hit twice in the back during a routine patrol in the capital of Honiara.

New Zealand Defence Force spokeswoman, Commander Sandy McKie, said since the shooting, the 37 New Zealand soldiers have been ordered to wear body armour on all patrols in the troubled area.

New Zealand has 37 armed soldiers and 35 unarmed police officers in the Solomons as part of the peace keeping process which has also been collecting thousands of illegal weapons, including high-powered rifles similar to the one thought to have been used to kill Adam Dunning.

The police said today they were reviewing the situation since the shooting, including a reassessment of the threat level from the rebel groups.

Australia ordered more troops into the area as a result of the shooting and yesterday New Zealand foreign minister Phil Goff said the shooting was deplorable.

Mr Dunning was hit during a patrol with a fellow officer in what was regarded as a secure area and he died almost immediately.

Australian police said the sniper appeared to be deliberately targeting police. He fired six shots from a military-style weapon. Four hit the rear of the vehicle and two hit Mr Dunning.

The peacekeeping force, which has staff from 11 Pacific nations has made more than 4000 arrests and seized more than 3700 weapons.

Mr Goff said the killing was a reminder that the threat of violence remained on the islands.

- NZPA