Policeman killed in Solomon Islands

AN Australian policeman was shot and killed in the Solomon Islands yesterday - the first fatality since Canberra deployed security forces last year to help stabilise the troubled archipelago.

The death of Adam Dunning, aged 26, who was killed while on morning patrol near the capital Honiara, immediately prompted Australia to boost its deployment.

An additional 100 troops were being sent to the Solomons tomorrow, the government said.