Egyptian policeman killed by gunmen

A policeman was shot dead by a group of men who opened fire on a police van that was taking seven prisoners to a police station, a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior said.

Two other police officers and two prisoners were injured in the attack, which the Ministry of Interior's statement said was a failed attempt to free the prisoners.

The gunmen opened fire at the police van on a highway to Assiut, 300km south of Cairo, the statement said.

In February, a group of bedouin in the Sinai Peninsula attacked a police van that was carrying prisoners, shot dead two policemen and freed eight prisoners.