Police in Papua New Guinea have detained 180 people after a witch hunt that left six people dead, including two children.

Several hundred men from Raicoast village in Madang province descended on Sasiko village, looking for people they believed to be sorcerers.

Local media reports say the violent rampage went on for most of Monday.

Witnesses say one man killed was an innocent bystander on his way to work, while two children under the age of five were also reportedly killed.

Details of the other victims are unclear but at least one body was badly burned.

Local reports say more than 20 people were injured and several houses destroyed.

Police are urging people to remain calm and for relatives of those killed and injured to refrain from revenge attacks.