VEHARI: Police claim that two suspects allegedlyinvolvedinadacoitycum-murder case were killed in the firing by their four accomplices who in a bid to free the both `criminals` opened fire on a police team.

According to Thingi police, they arrested two suspects -Rizwan and Qurban -who were allegedly involved in a murder and dacoity case.

On Monday morning, the police said, a team was taking the both suspects for identification and recovery of some looted items in an official vehicle, when near Chak 159/WB four unknown men, riding two motorcycles, opened fire on thepolice team to free Rizwan and Qurban.

The police said they retaliated the fire, ensuing a shootout with the criminals.

During the crossfire, the police claimed, bullets fired by the attackers hit both the suspects, who died on the spot.

Police spokesman Mr Adnan said both suspects were involved in a dacoity-cum-murder incident occurring in Luddan a few days back.

He said the suspects had been committing crimes in various districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Okara, Bahawalnagar and Vehari.

He said the police were trying to arrest the fleeing accomplices of the dead suspects.