Tourist boat cancels Alotau tour

Tourists on Pacific Aria vessel who travelled into the renowned tourism hub of Alotau in Milne Bay Province had a scare this morning as the town went into a shutdown when an attempted robbery took place at around 10am this morning.

The tourists had to flee back to the vessel as news broke out that the armed thugs walked into PNG Air office but never came out as they had been barricaded by Police, Correctional Services officers, and security personnel as they were still attempting to rob the airline company.
Reports from the ground said the PNG Air Staff have been held hostage since 10am this morning and police have just made an entry into the building.

4 shots have been heard in the building but its still unknown if police have apprehended the suspects.
Police dogs and their handlers could be seen on the roof top as well awaiting any exit by the thugs.
It is the second robbery in town, just after the weekend hold up at the Jade Island Trading were a police officer was killed by another gang in the town.
Heavy rains in the province have given rise to criminal activities in recent times. PNGFM/ PNG Today