Reports of chaos on streets of Suva

A Fiji Indian living about 20 minutes out of Suva says today's takeover of parliament is like the 1987 coup all over again.

Moti Lal, who lives in the small town of Nausori, says George Speight, the man who led the takeover, has gone on local radio saying he has taken over the country.

He says the Ministry of Education has broadcast a message asking parents to pick up their children from school and take them home.

Mr Lal says shops and offices have closed, and looting has begun in the city.

He says the takeover occurred while a protest rally against the government was taking place.

Armed police are guarding the Suva dock area to ensure today's turmoil does not spread, according to the captain of a cruiseship docked there.

P&O spokesman John Richardson says the cruiseship Fair Princess is docked in Suva with 1004 passengers, 43 of whom are New Zealanders.

He says they've been in constant communication with the ship's captain, who says the dock area is guarded by police officers and the commotion seems localised to the area surrounding Parliament buildings.

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