TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from France: Le Parisien, BFM Normandie.
UK coverage: BBC.

A manhunt is underway in Normandy, France for an escaped prisoner who was being transported back to jail when his police van was attacked. The prisoner, Mohamed Amra, also known as ‘The Fly,’ was being taken from a court hearing when a car rammed into the prison van at a toll booth. Armed individuals then opened fire on the vehicle, killing two prison officers. French authorities have mobilized hundreds of police officers and are conducting vehicle checks in key locations in an effort to locate the criminals responsible for the attack. President Emmanuel Macron has assured that all efforts are being made to find the perpetrators.

According to Le Parisien, the attack occurred on Tuesday, May 14, at the Incarville toll booth in Eure. Four armed men in two vehicles targeted the prison administration van, resulting in the death of two prison officers and injuries to three others. The detainee, Mohamed Amra, managed to escape. Operation ‘Épervier’ has been launched to locate the fugitive and the commando responsible for the attack. An investigation has been opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office, specifically the Junalco, the national jurisdiction responsible for combating organized crime.

Le Parisien provides further details about the attack, stating that it took place in front of motorists stopped at the toll booth, some of whom filmed the scene. Two of the criminals, dressed in black, can be seen in a video pointing their weapons at the prison administration vehicles. The escaped detainee, Mohamed Amra, is a 30-year-old man who was sentenced for burglary and is also under investigation for kidnapping and sequestration resulting in death. He is described as the head of a drug trafficking network.

BFM Normandie reports that the attack occurred while the prisoner was being transferred from Evreux prison to the Rouen court. The heavily armed gang used two vehicles in the attack. Two vehicles, believed to be connected to the criminals, were later found burned.

The French authorities have responded swiftly to the attack, mobilizing over 200 gendarmes from Eure and neighboring departments. Specialized units, including the GIGN, have been deployed as reinforcements. Operation ‘Épervier’ allows for the deployment of additional resources to locate the fugitive. The investigation has been entrusted to the Central Office for Combating Organized Crime and the Judicial Police of Rouen.

The attack has prompted strong reactions from government officials and politicians. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to be uncompromising in pursuing the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Minister of Justice Éric Dupond-Moretti declared that the nation is in mourning and that the Republic is gravely attacked.

As the manhunt continues, French authorities are determined to bring the escaped detainee and the criminals responsible for the attack to justice. The closure of the A154 highway in the Incarville to Evreux direction is currently in effect, with diversion routes in place. The situation remains tense, and the French public is urged to exercise caution in the area.

This is a developing story, and our team will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.