Three police shot dead, fourth wounded in central France

Lyon: Three police were shot dead in Puy-de-Dome in central France on Wednesday after being called out to a domestic disturbance, sources in the public prosecutor’s office said.

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The police officers, including a fourth who was wounded in the incident, were shot by a 48-year-old man as they attempted to rescue a woman.

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Police approached the house shortly after midnight and were targeted by gunfire.

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The gunman initially shot and killed one officer and wounding another, before setting fire to the house.

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Two further officers, responding to the scene, were then fired on and killed, according to the Clermont-Ferrand prosecutor’s office.

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Officials said the woman had been safely rescued, and that at least seven elite tactical police officers remained on site.

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“The greatest precautions are being taken with regard to the dangerousness of the individual,” a source close to the investigation told AFP.

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The gunman is said to be known to authorities for charges relating to child custody issues.

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Firefighters are also on site attempting to control the blaze.

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The prefecture of Puy-de-Dome said that the situation was still developing.