Vanuatu police quash sectarian violence on Tanna

In Vanuatu, police have been sent to the island of Tanna to control a clash between villagers and members of a religious sect.

The move comes as tension between local people and a breakaway faction of the John Frum movement continues to build.

Ten armed police were sent to Tanna after the rival groups clashed, leading to the hospitalisation of 25 villagers.

Vanuatu police commissioner, Robert DiNiro, says the presence of armed police appears to have calmed the two groups.

We are very fortunate to have not used our arms. It was the presence of arms and our professional police officers that have really calmed the situation perfectly for investigations to continue.