France has imposed a state of emergency in New Caledonia as the overseas territory in the South Pacific is rocked by violent unrest.

The office of President Emmanuel Macron announced in Paris following a crisis meeting on Wednesday.

Declaring a state of emergency makes it easier for the authorities to impose curfews and ban demonstrations, among other actions.

At least three people have died in the riots that raged after Frances National Assembly approved contentious voting reforms to the territory that angered independence supporters.

Several hundred people have been injured so far.

Macron expressed his shock at the deaths and the serious injuries suffered by a police officer, the presidential office said.

The acts of violence were intolerable and the state would crack down to restore order, it said.(dpa/NAN)