Police officer killed in jewellery store heist, alleged mastermind arrested

One of the three Policemen who were injured during a shootout with a group of robbers who attempted to break into a jewellery store in Matara has died.

During the attempted robbery this morning, the Police officers have exchanged fire with the robbers and three Policemen with gunshot wounds were admitted to Matara Hospital where one of the Policemen succumbed to his injuries.

Two civilians injured in the shootout have also been hospitalised. One of the robbers was also injured, Police said.

The Police have seized the motorcycle used by the suspects and an automatic firearm while the suspects have fled the area. It is not known how many suspects were involved in the robbery. During a special search operation conducted following the incident today, the Police have arrested the mastermind of the robbery, an individual named Kamakanamage Chamara Indrajith.

According to the Matara Police, several police teams have been deployed to arrest the robbers. (Colombopage)