Police shoot dead three armed robbers in Dubai shopping mall, Nakuru Town

Nakuru, Kenya: Three suspected robbers believed to be among a gang that has been terrorizing residents and business operators were shot dead by police officers in Nakuru town.

Confirming the incident Nakuru police boss Bernard Kioko said the three were in a group of armed robbers who raided Dubai shopping mall in Nakuru town around 2.30am on Friday.

Kioko said the robbers armed with crude weapons, seriously injured a watchman at the mall before breaking into several shops and stealing unknown valuables and money.

"The suspects were in a group of thugs who were armed with crude weapons. The watchman who was guarding the mall tried to prevent them from accessing the premises but they turned against him with beatings leaving him with serious injuries," said Kioko.

He said police officers rushed to the scene after receiving information from members of the public and managed to shoot three who died on the spot while others escaped with serious gunshot injuries.

The watchman was rushed to Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital in Nakuru where he is admitted with serious injuries while bodies of the three men were taken to Nakuru Municipal morgue waiting identification and autopsy.

The police boss added that a manhunt has started to arrest the other suspects who escaped.

Kioko called on members of the public and health care workers operating in health facilities to help in identifying the injured criminals whom he said might seek treatment.

"Suspects who escaped were seriously injured. We call on members of the public to be cooperative with police officers in tracing them," he urged.

Kioko added that police officers will intensify patrol ahead of the Easter holidays in efforts to beef up security in the town.