Brazilian Police kill 10 members of burglary gang in shootout

Witnesses cited by Brazilian media said gang members armed with rifles occupied a home and took four hostages.

Sao Paulo, Sep 5: Brazilian police killed 10 suspected members of a gang of burglars during a shootout in a rich area of Sao Paulo, officials said on Tuesday.

The gang "was responsible for more than 20 burglaries and robberies of homes" in districts such as Morumbi where the shootout erupted late yesterday, security officials said in a statement.

Witnesses cited by Brazilian media said gang members armed with rifles occupied a home and took four hostages.

They ended up trying to drive away and being chased by police, reports said. The statement did not say whether any officers were hurt.

The gang members, who were armed with four rifles, had been under investigation for some time in connection with the burglaries of at least 20 residences in upscale Sao Paulo neighbourhoods the Sao Paulo Public Safety Secretariat said.

PTI