Papua New Guinea police fire on student rally, casualties feared

Students were stopped by police as they attempted to march from their campus towards parliament

Police in Papua New Guinea have opened fire on students protesting against Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

Several students were injured and opposition MPs said four were killed, but the government denied any deaths. The students were marching from their campus in the capital, Port Moresby, towards parliament where Mr O'Neill faces a possible no confidence motion.

Armed police also set up a roadblock to prevent the students from leaving the university

They are demanding that he stand down and answer corruption allegations. Mr O'Neill has denied wrongdoing. In a statement later on Wednesday, Mr O'Neill said "a small group of students were violent, threw rocks at police and provoked a response that came in the form of tear gas and warning shots".

A number of people were reported injured during the clashes

"The factors that led to students being injured are yet to be ascertained," he said, condemning "agitators responsible for instigating a violent confrontation".

Shoes and slippers were seen left at the entrance to the university following the protest

Crowds later gathered outside Port Moresby General Hospital where some protesters are being treated

The government said an inquiry would be launched to determine what caused the clashes. In a separate development, parliament was adjourned on Wednesday until August.