Australian officer killed in the Solomon Islands

CANBERRA - A 26-year-old Australian Protective Services officer has been shot and killed in the Solomon Islands, Australian Federal Police chief Mick Keelty said today.

Mr Keelty confirmed Adam Dunning was shot and killed at 3.10am local time today while on patrol in the Solomon Island capital of Honiara.

The officer was part of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) which arrived in the country in July last year.

Mr Keelty said officer Dunning was hit twice while on routine patrol in what was considered a secure area of Honiara.

"Clearly this indicates there are some not happy about RAMSI's presence in the Solomons, but our work will most definitely continue," he said.

Mr Keelty said several shots seemed to have been fired, possibly from a high-powered weapon such as a self-loading rifle.

The commissioner said Officer Dunning, from Canberra, died almost instantly.

Dunning joined the APS in March last year, after serving with the Australian Defence Force.

A 20-year-old Solomon Islander has reportedly been arrested in connection with the shooting, the Associated Press reported.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff said New Zealand has 35 police officers, a civilian adviser and a 37-strong infantry platoon in the Solomon Islands as part of RAMSI.

Mr Goff said the safety and security of RAMSI personnel, which involves police, military and civilians from 11 Pacific nations, would be subject to review.

"The killing of the police officer is a tragedy for his family and friends, particularly so close to Christmas.

"I have contacted my colleague Alexander Downer and asked for our deepest sympathy to be passed on to the officer's family. The Prime Minister has also formally passed on New Zealand's condolences to John Howard," he said.

Mr Goff said it was a reminder that security operations such as the Regional Security Mission in the Solomon Islands carry with them real risks.

"While RAMSI has been enormously successful and popular with the people of the Solomon Islands, it has undoubtedly earned the enmity of the militias, the criminals and corrupt officials and politicians whose activities have been disrupted by the mission.

Mr Goff said an earlier incident involving gun fire on a RAMSI vehicle was a warning that while the Solomon Islands is now largely peaceful, the threat of violence should not be ruled out.

RAMSI initially comprised more than 2000 police and troops from Australia, New Zealand and regional nations and quickly restored law and order.

The mission was endorsed by the Solomons government and received overwhelming support from a people sick of violence, corruption and banditry.

The success of the operation permitted withdrawal of the bulk of the force with about 100 troops and 300 police remaining.

About two-thirds of the force is Australian with the police component comprising members of the Australian Federal Police and Australian Protective Service.

- AAP and HERALD STAFF