Six injured in LTTE claymore blast

Rafik Jalaldeen

AKKARAIPATTU: Five police personnel and a civilian were injured when a claymore mine targetting a police van prematurely exploded near the Akkaraipattu Hospital at around 10.35 a.m. in Akkaraipattu.

According to the Akkaraipattu police, a police investigation team comprising a Sub Inspector, three Police Sergeants and two Police Constables were returning after handing over a body of a murder victim to the Hospital when the explosion occurred.

"The police often changed their transport as a security precaution. They used a civilian van instead of a police jeep. However, the LTTE had been tipped off about the change, Police said.

The driver of the van (civilian) was severely injured. The injured were admitted to the Ampara Hospital.