Manhunt launched in Normandy after deadly prison convoy ambush
French authorities launched a manhunt on Tuesday after gunmen ambushed a prison convoy in Normandy to break out an inmate, killing two guards and wounding three others.The violent incident, extremely rare for that part of northern France, took place as the vehicle was transporting a prisoner from court to a nearby prison. French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said that this was the first time a French prison employee had died while working since 1992. Two guards were fatally injured in the ambush, leaving families devastated. Two other guards sustained life-threatening injuries.The gunmen are still at large, and national police are actively searching for them. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has mobilized the national gendarmerie and hundreds of police officers to assist in the manhunt. Roadblocks have been set up, and a perimeter has been established to aid in the search.Two burnt-out vehicles used by the attackers were found in Houtteville and Gauville-le-Campagne, towns in the département of Eure where the attack occurred. One of the vehicles, a Peugeot, was used to ram the police van, while the other vehicle, an Audi, carried the gunmen. Forensic experts are examining the crime scene, and authorities are reviewing videos of the attack posted on social media.The escaped inmate, identified as Mohamed Amra, has a history of 13 convictions, primarily related to theft with aggravated offenses. He had been incarcerated in various facilities since January 2022. Amra was found guilty of burglary on May 10 and was also under investigation for a kidnapping-related death in Marseille.French President Emmanuel Macron has assured that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice in the aftermath of this violent crime.
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