Following a Deadly Prison Van Ambush in northern France, French authorities have initiated an “unprecedented” manhunt in pursuit of a dangerous escaped inmate. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two officers, with three others sustaining serious injuries.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has condemned the incident as an act of “cold-blooded barbarity,” sending shockwaves across France and prompting swift action from law enforcement agencies.

Darmanin emphasised the gravity of the situation, characterising the response as “unprecedented.”

The prisoner at the center of the manhunt is Mohamed Amra, known colloquially as “The Fly.” Amra, who was being transported from a court in Normandy back to jail on Tuesday, managed to escape when armed assailants rammed his prison van at a toll booth before opening fire on the vehicle.

The attack, which occurred in the Eure department of Normandy, resulted in the tragic loss of two officers and left three others seriously wounded.

In response to the gravity of the situation, French authorities have mobilised approximately 450 gendarmes and police officers in an extensive search operation unprecedented in its scale.

President Emmanuel Macron has reassured the public that every effort is being made to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

The tragic events have also prompted calls for improved safety measures for prison staff. French prison officer unions have demanded urgent action to enhance staff safety, including a reduction in extraditions of prisoners to court hearings and the promotion of video-conferencing as an alternative.

Demonstrations outside French prisons and planned walkouts further underscore the urgency of addressing these concerns.

Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti has pledged to engage with union representatives to address their grievances and ensure appropriate measures are implemented. The minister has also expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen officers, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on their loved ones.

Amidst the nationwide manhunt, details about the escaped prisoner have emerged, shedding light on his criminal history and potential motives.

Amra, convicted of burglary and indicted for a kidnapping resulting in death, has a history of criminal activity dating back over a decade.

Despite being associated with a gang in Marseille, his criminal record does not include convictions for drug offenses.

Questions surrounding the circumstances of Amra’s escape and his potential involvement in the orchestrated attack remain unanswered.

His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, has expressed disbelief at the notion of Amra’s complicity, citing a lack of alignment with his client’s character. However, French media reports suggest previous attempts by Amra to escape custody, indicating a propensity for evading law enforcement.

Main Image: Snapchat/Yan78780/AFP

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