AUTHORITIES in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia announced an overnight curfew and banned gatherings today after violent unrest erupted in the capital of Noumea.

The territory’s top French official Louis Le Franc said that 35 police officers and troops were injured and 48 people have been arrested. No serious civilian casualties were reported, the high commissioner’s statement said.

It said that Noumea was hit by “high intensity” overnight disturbances.