Australia Deploys Troops After Buildings Torched In Solomon Islands Riots

Thousands of people -- some carrying axes and knives -- rampaged through Chinatown and central business districts in Solomon Islands' capital city in the third consecutive day of political violence.

Rioters torched buildings and looted the smouldering rubble of shops in the Solomon Islands' capital of Honiara Friday -- a third straight day of political violence as Australian peacekeeping troops began to deploy.

Thousands of people -- some carrying axes and knives -- rampaged through the city's Chinatown and central business districts -- according to an AFP reporter on the scene.

In Chinatown, a large warehouse was set alight, causing an explosion that sent scores of people fleeing from the scene in panic.