East Timor rebel arrested for alleged firearms offences

One of East Timor's rebel leaders involved in the country's recent violence has been arrested and detained over firearms offences.

Australian soldiers arrested Alfredo Reinhado, at a house in the capital, Dili, where he was found in possession of unauthorised weapons.

It is understood he has been charged with firearms offences, and will face court in Dili.

Alfredo Reinhado led a band of military police into the mountains behind Dili after a gunbattle in late May which left two people dead.

The violence was triggered by the then prime minister Mari Alkatiri's sacking of 600 soldiers from the west of the country who had complained of discrimination.

Mr Alkatiri resigned on June 26 after being broadly blamed for the violence and he has since been replaced by interim-prime minister Jose Ramos Horta, who will serve until elections are held next year.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA