KINSHASA, Oct 26, 2006- Heavy shooting was heard in the northern town of Gbadolite on Thursday in a further sign of tension ahead of the final round of Congo's elections on Sunday, residents and U.N. officials told Reuters.

"There is heavy shooting in town. Some people are running away from the centre of town," said a resident, who declined to be identified. U.N. officials in Kinshasa confirmed sustained shooting had taken place in the town.