A targeted ambush on a prison van near Rouen in Normandy has resulted in the deaths of two French prison officers, sparking a massive manhunt in the region.

The incident occurred as prisoner Mohamed Amra, also known as “The Fly,” was being transported from court to a prison facility. A car rammed into the prison van at a toll booth, followed by gunmen opening fire on the prison officers. Two officers were killed in the attack, while two others sustained critical injuries.

In response to the attack, French President Emmanuel Macron assured the public that all efforts are being made to locate the perpetrators. Prosecutors have identified the escaped inmate as Mohamed Amra, born in 1994, who was convicted of burglary and was facing charges related to a kidnapping that resulted in a death.

Amra, reportedly associated with a gang in Marseille, was being transported back to jail in Évreux after a court hearing in Rouen when the ambush occurred.

The assailants, armed with heavy weapons, fled the scene in a vehicle, which authorities have since recovered near the toll gate where the attack took place.

A massive police presence, including hundreds of officers and gendarmes, has been deployed to conduct a comprehensive manhunt. Roadblocks have been set up across northwest France, with law enforcement following up on all leads.

French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti confirmed the deaths of two officers, emphasizing the devastating impact on their families. He pledged exhaustive efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, denouncing the perpetrators as individuals who disregard the value of human life.

The attack underscores the risks faced by law enforcement personnel and the ongoing challenges in maintaining security amid criminal activities. As the manhunt intensifies, authorities are focused on apprehending those responsible and ensuring justice for the fallen officers and their families.