Two French officers killed in ambush on prison van

Two French prison officers have been killed in an ambush on a prison van near Rouen in Normandy.

Reports in French media suggest an inmate who was being transported in the van has escaped together with the attackers.

France’s Justice Minister, Eric Dupond-Moretti, said three other officers were severely injured.

He also said he was convening the Justice Ministry’s crisis unit.

Writing on X, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said: “All means are being employed to find these criminals. On my instructions, several hundred police officers and gendarmes have been mobilised.”

French outlet BFMTV reported that the inmate was being transported back to the jail in the town of Évreux after attending a court hearing this morning in Rouen.

The ambush took place around 11:00 (09:00 GMT) near a toll booth on the A154 motorway, which is now closed in both directions.

It was carried out by several individuals who approached the prison convoy in two vehicles, according to AFP.

Unconfirmed reports in French media say the detainee and the attackers escaped in a car that was later found burnt out nearby.

Images posted on social media and used by some French outlets show what appears to be hooded gunmen approaching the convoy.