300 police reinforcements arrive ahead of New Caledonia referendum

More than 300 French armed mobile police have arrived in New Caledonia as additional security for next month's independence referendum.

According to the public broadcaster, the three squads will be deployed in Kone, Poindimie and Tontouta, which is near Noumea's international airport.

They have just three weeks to familiarise themselves with the new environment to be ready for November 4th.

The one-day referendum will determine whether New Caledonia will assume full sovereignty.