Alleged gunman killed in shootout with police in restive French territory of New Caledonia

French police shot and killed an alleged gunman during clashes in New Caledonia on Thursday, local prosecutors said, upping to 11 the toll during three months of unrest in the French Pacific territory.

The shooting occurred in the eastern town of Thio as police were clearing a bridge, according to prosecutor Yves Dupas.

An officer was hit in the face by a rock and then police were shot at several times, Dupas said.

They shot back and wounded two protesters, one of whom died on his way to a hospital, he said, adding that "numerous investigations" have been opened into the incident and that he expected to announce more details later in the day.