Three prisoners killed in shoot out

Rafik JALALDEEN

Three prisoners were killed in a shooting incident at the Negombo prison yesterday morning between two rival factions.

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said two underworld suspects returning from court escorted by jailors had been shot by another inmate near the prison gates at around 11.30am. An inmate was killed on the spot and another succumbed to his injuries at the Police Hospital, he added. "Two prisoners were shot near the entrance of the Negombo prison. A prisoner indiscriminately fired at the two inmates 25 metres inside from the main entrance of the prison on their return from the court, SSP Gunasekera said.

When police attempted to arrest the gunman, he fired at prison officers. Prison officers retaliated the fire and the prisoner was killed by gun fire, he said.