Two prison officers have been killed and three others injured by pump-action rifle fire after an attack on their van carrying an inmate who is now on the run.

The van was transporting the prisoner between Rouen and Evreux when it was attacked at the Incarville toll plaza, say French reports citing police sources.

Police have launched a manhunt after the attack at the toll on the A154 motorway in Val-de-Reuil in the Eure department, Normandy, shortly after 11am, say reports.

Eric Dupond-Moretti, French justice minister, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “A prison convoy was attacked in Eure. Two of our prison officers have died, three are seriously injured.

“All my thoughts are with the victims, their families and their colleagues.”

He said he was on his way to a government crisis meeting over the attack.

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