Riots in the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia have been raging since Monday night. Reuters news agency says three people were killed, hundreds of people were injured and at least 80 people were detained.

The riots broke out in the island's capital Noumea. Footage shows burnt vehicles and buildings, and plumes of smoke rising from everywhere in the capital.

French authorities imposed a curfew and have closed the local airport in the capital since Monday night, leaving tourists stranded.

New Caledonia has been rocked by the issue of independence.

The French National Assembly adopted a constitutional amendment bill to expand the qualification of voters in local elections.

The pro-independence camp, who are mainly indigenous people, argues expanding voting rights to French residents who move to the area would put them at a disadvantage. The riots are believed to have been triggered by moves to oppose the proposed constitutional amendment.