Jakarta – At least three people were killed in religious clashes on Thursday in Indonesia's Maluku province, as police arrested the leader of a Christian group seeking independence for the region.

Two men died when Muslims and Christian mobs battled in the streets following a traffic accident in the provincial capital of Ambon, said Mr John Tomasoa, a spokesman for the local government. Another was killed and 11 were injured in a shoot-out between boats in Ambon Bay, he added.

The fresh fighting broke out as local police arrested Alex Manuputty, an alleged leader of a Christian group that last month unilaterally declared an independent Maluku state. A police spokesman said police would also will take action against other members of the group.