Police in New Caledonia have arrested seven teenagers suspected of having ransacked a public bus in Noumea during rush hour last week.

The seven, aged between 14 and 17, were identified from the footage of an onboard camera and video recordings made by members of the public.

Police say after being asked to leave the bus, one of the teenagers broke a window and then assaulted the driver's wife.

They say the group then vandalised the bus while passengers, including small children and elderly people, were still onboard.

Four of the teenagers have been presented to an investigative judge while three others are yet to be charged.

There has been a series of incidents in Noumea this year where bus driers have been attacked.