Papua New Guinea massacre 'very disturbing': Albanese

Police in Papua New Guinea responded to a tribal clash in which 53 people reportedly died. (file)

Australia stands ready to support Papua New Guinea authorities in quelling violence after more than 50 people were killed in a “very disturbing” massacre.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was ready to assist the Pacific nation, after at least 53 people were reportedly killed in the country’s northern highlands region.

“That is very disturbing the news that has come out of Papua New Guinea,” he told ABC radio.

“We remain available to provide whatever support we can in a practical way, of course, to help our friends in PNG.”

Mr Albanese said Australia was already providing “considerable support” for the important relationship, and was helping train the country’s police officers.

PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape became the first Pacific leader to address federal parliament earlier in February.

The men were shot dead in an ambush in Enga province, the ABC reported on Monday.

Images had emerged of bodies being loaded on to a police truck.

A report by local newspaper the Post-Courier said the violence took place on Sunday and was connected to a battle between two tribes.

Security remains a major issue in PNG, with at least 16 people killed in riots last month.

with AP