A series of shootouts between rival tribes over a disputed gold mine has left at least 30 people dead in Papua New Guinea, police said on Monday. Security forces have been given emergency powers to stop the fighting - including the use of "lethal force" - according to the country's police commissioner.

Local officials say an influx of weapons into the remote highlands has exacerbated the violence between rival groups.

A violent conflict between rival tribes over control of a gold mine in Papua New Guinea has resulted in at least 30 deaths, police confirmed on September 16. Security forces have been authorised to use 'lethal force' to quell the unrest,