O'Neill condemns 'cowardly' murders

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AAP

THE murder of four Chinese nationals in Port Moresby was a "brutal and cowardly" act, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said.

The four, understood to be three men and a woman, were stabbed to death about 7pm on Monday at a bakery they ran near the popular Koki market, just under 3km from the central business district.
Mr O'Neill was briefed on the murders by police commissioner Tom Kulunga on Tuesday.
"I condemn this brutal and cowardly attack on the four Chinese nationals," he said in a statement.
"I have been assured by the Police Commissioner that no resource will be spared to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime be found and brought to face the full force of the law.
"I want to assure the government of China and relatives of those killed that police will get all the help necessary to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice."
Eight employees of the shop were held for questioning, but police say they have no immediate leads.
National Capital District superintendent Andy Bawa said the four victims were each stabbed repeatedly after an unknown number of perpetrators hopped a high fence to get to the shop.
"Knives were used to attack the victims, and there were many knife wounds on their bodies," Mr Bawa told The National newspaper.
"I want to assure the relatives, friends and international community that no stone will be left unturned as police will do its best to bring those responsible to justice."
Mr O'Neill called on the business community, especially those of Chinese and Asian origin, to remain calm and continue business as usual.