BUKIT MERTAJAM: Three burglars believed to be foreign nationals were killed in a shootout with police here early this morning.
The 2am incident which took place at Jalan Pala 6, Permatang Tinggi Industrial Area here unfolded when the trio were in the midst of breaking into a factory.
Sources said the three suspects upon realising that police had caught up with them,, fled the scene in their car.
“While making their get-away, the suspects began shooting at the police.
“This forced the police to return fire on the assailants, killing all three on the spot”, he said.
It was learnt that the trio were part of a gang which were active in breaking into factories in the area.
They were believed to be involved in at least five previous breaking and entering cases.
Apart from a gun, police also found a machete and other tools used in breaking into the factory in the suspects’ car.
Police are expected to hold a press conference on the case at noon today at the Penang Police Contingent headquarters.