Gunmen kill two guards, free inmate in France jail van assault | Information

Justice minister says two wounded jail guards in crucial situation after van ambushed whereas transporting prisoner to satisfy an investigating decide in Rouen.

Armed assailants have killed two French jail officers and critically wounded three others in a brazen assault on a convoy in Normandy throughout which a high-profile inmate escaped, officers have mentioned.

The van was transporting prisoner Mohamed Amra to Evreux jail after a courtroom listening to in Rouen when it was ambushed on Tuesday.

Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti mentioned he would be part of a disaster unit to deal with the emergency.

“All means are getting used to seek out these criminals. On my directions, a number of hundred law enforcement officials and gendarmes had been mobilised,” Inside Minister Gerald Darmanin posted on X.

“This morning’s assault, which value the lives of jail administration brokers, is a shock for all of us,” French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X.

“The nation stands alongside the households, the injured and their colleagues.”

The assault prompted a big regulation enforcement operation within the northwestern area of France as authorities labored to safe the world and apprehend the assailants. The assault happened on Tuesday morning on the A154 motorway, which has since been closed.

Amra was below excessive surveillance and had just lately been sentenced for housebreaking. He was additionally below investigation for a kidnapping and murder case in Marseille, in response to public prosecutor Laure Beccuau.

French media reported that Amra was nicknamed “La Mouche” (The Fly).

Beccuau introduced an investigation into the assault, now thought-about a case of organised crime and homicide.

“At this stage, we mourn the loss of life of two penitentiary brokers on this armed assault, and two are in crucial situation,” Beccuau mentioned in a press release.

The investigation can even tackle organised escape makes an attempt, possession of military-grade weapons, and conspiracy to commit crime.

Legislation and order is a serious concern in French politics within the run-up to subsequent month’s European elections and the incident prompted fierce reactions from politicians, particularly the far proper.

“It’s actual savagery that hits France day-after-day,” mentioned Jordan Bardella, the highest candidate for the far-right Nationwide Rally (RN), which is main opinion polls for the elections.