France prison van attack: Manhunt as two prison officers killed in ambush to free drug dealer in Normandy
At least two prison guards were fatally shot after being ambushed while transporting a prisoner who subsequently escaped in northwestern France.
The inmate, Mohamed Amra, 30, known as The Fly, is suspected of fleeing after his associates attacked the guards.
Footage from the scene captures the moment a vehicle collided with the prison van, followed by hooded individuals firing shots and aiding in the convict's escape.
Three others sustained serious injuries during the prison break in Incarville, located in the Eure region.
The deceased guards were reportedly from the Regional Centre for Judicial Extractions (PREJ) in Caen, one being a 21-year-old father of two and the other an expectant father whose wife was five months pregnant.
France’s justice minister, Éric Dupond-Moretti, mentioned that the three wounded guards were in critical condition.
Amra, with 13 previous convictions, was under heightened surveillance but was not categorized as radicalized or a terrorist suspect, according to Mr. Dupond-Moretti.
At the time of the attack, Amra was being transported from Évreux prison to court for a public committal hearing.
A police source stated that Amra led a narcotics network in France, making him extremely dangerous.
Reports suggest that Amra attempted to escape his cell just two days prior to the incident, resulting in his placement in solitary confinement with an increased surveillance level.
An eyewitness on a nearby bus recounted hearing gunshots and witnessing a car fire during the attack.
Amra reportedly fled with his assailants in two vehicles, an Audi A5 and a BMW 5 series, following the ambush near the tollbooth on the A154.
More than 200 gendarmes have been deployed, including specialized units like the GIGN, to assist in the search for the perpetrators.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed shock and solidarity with the victims' families and colleagues, vowing to bring the culprits to justice. French justice minister Eric Dupond-Moretti also conveyed condolences and support for the affected individuals.
Comments