Athens: Two policemen dead, two injured in gunfire (video)

tagged: Athens, Christos Papoutsis, Greece, injured, police, policemen, policemen killed, Rentis, shot dead

Athens: Two policemen dead, two injured in gunfire (video)

Unknown individuals opened fire against policemen Tuesday evening at the Aghios Ioannis Rentis area of Athens. Two policemen, 22 and 23 years old, died; one on the crime scene and the other at the hospital. Two more policemen are injured and hospitalized. One of them is in critical but not life threatening condition, it is said.

The four policemen were on motorcycle patrol when they tried to stop a Volvo SUV. The unknown individuals refused to stop, went to ambush and opened fire, shooting at the policemen with Kalashnikovs, Greek media reported.

The perpetrators’ car was found abandoned at Paleologou street, about 200m from the shooting site. One of the Kalashnikovs and one pistol were found in the car. The car and its licence plates were stolen. there are reports that the crinimals were 3 people.

An eye witnesses said he was at his home and fell on the ground when he heard the shots. “They didn’t stop shooting, they shot for 10 seconds”.

Some media reported that there were more than 100 shots. Christos Ressos, Director of Nikaia General Hospital said that the bullets had penetrated the helmets of the two unlucky policemen.

Speaking to state television NET, Minister for Citiznes’ Protection Christos Papoutsis implied that the attack might have been launched by terrorists

“Members of the organized crime but terrorosts as well use Kalashnikovs” said Papoutsis, adding “some want to follow the circle of blood”.

Papoutsis is to return to Athens tonight, interrupting his official visit to Turkey.