Police officer detained after seventh death in New Caledonia

Smoke rises during protests in Noumea, New Caledonia (AP)

The French prosecutor for New Caledonia said a police officer has been taken into custody after shooting and killing a man when the officer was set upon by a group of about 15 people.

Yves Dupas says the officer is believed to have fired one shot, killing a 48-year-old man on Friday afternoon.