Australian officers injured after violence breaks out in Solomons. 18/04/2006. ABC News Online

A number of Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers on assignment in the Solomon Islands have been injured in riots in the capital sparked by the election of a new prime minister.

Witnesses say about 500 supporters of a rival candidate took to the streets of Honiara claiming the election was fixed.

A spokeswoman for the AFP says six officers have received a range of injuries, from a broken jaw to a suspected dislocated shoulder and minor cuts and abrasions.

They are being treated there and no decision has been taken to repatriate them to Australia.

The spokeswoman says the AFP is monitoring the situation and further resources may be sent to Honiara if necessary.

Prime Minister John Howard says while the injuries are not life threatening, it is a deplorable situation.

All Australians will hope these officers who are serving the country overseas will make a full recovery," he said.

Mr Howard says at this stage there does not appear to be a need for reinforcements.

The violence erupted in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara after former deputy prime minister Snyder Rini was declared the country's new leader.

Eyewitness reports say eight vehicles were damaged during the violence, including that of the Prime Minister, who was trapped for a number of hours inside the building before being moved to an unknown destination.

Two major stores have been looted and thousands of people are lining the main streets as units from the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), in full riot gear, patrol the area around the Parliament building.

Police moved to seal off the city and its China Town district in anticipation of further trouble.

Residents have been told to go home and stay there.

A senior reporter for the Solomons Star, Ofani Leremai, says the crowd has been demanding the resignation of the new Prime Minister and the city remains tense.

"There were a number of shops that were stoned and looted, the city as it is now remains tense," he said.

"The crowd is still, although they've moved out from the venue of the Parliament, they are still around town, they are still in groups and the demand is that they want the newly elected Prime Minister to resign before sunset."

It is understand Mr Rini beat Job Dudley Tausinga 27 votes to 23.

In a brief statement, Mr Rini says RAMSI will be allowed to continue its work in Solomon Islands.