Twelve dead in PNG after car rollover and police shootout

Police in Papua New Guinea say 12 men are dead after a group robbed a store and fled in a stolen vehicle, before crashing then engaging in a shootout.

Police have not said how many of the men died in the crash and how many were shot dead.

One man, who police believe led the group, survived and is now in custody.

Twelve men are dead after holding up a store in Papua New Guinea before fleeing and crashing their vehicle, then engaging in a shootout with police.

Police Commissioner David Manning said a group of armed men robbed a trade store in Kimbe, the capital of West New Britain province, yesterday morning and tried to flee in a stolen vehicle.

He said the vehicle rolled over as the men tried to escape police, killing several of them.

"Those not seriously injured in the vehicle rollover subsequently drew weapons and chose to open fire on police officers," Commissioner Manning said in a statement.

Commissioner Manning said officers found stolen cash and a "sizeable quantity" of weapons and ammunition in the vehicle.

The ABC understands about 4,000 kina ($1,500) and a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen from the store.

Police photos from the scene show at least 10 seized guns, most of which appear to be makeshift.

The commissioner said the outcome was a warning to criminals, and that the Royal PNG Constabulary "will not shy away from enforcing the law".

But he also appealed to young people involved in gangs.

"There is still a way forward for young people who have been drawn into gang life," he said.

"I call on them to turn away from violence, reconnect with their families and communities, and choose a lawful and productive future."

The deadly incident came after days of gun violence in Kimbe.

It began on Friday when a group of gunmen allegedly robbed a public motor vehicle, or PMV, near the town.

Police Minister John Pundari said a lone officer exchanged fire with the group, killing one gunman. The rest of the offenders fled into the bush.

The ABC understands police then came under fire twice in less than 24 hours.

On Sunday night, a gunshot hit a police vehicle, narrowly missing a sergeant inside.

Yesterday morning, a high-calibre round was shot through the driver's side of another police vehicle's windscreen but no officers were hit.

Police are still investigating the four incidents and have not said whether they believe they are linked.

Mr Pundari praised police in West New Britain for confronting criminals in the armed robberies.

"These incidents demonstrate that police will respond forcefully," he said.