Brazil bank robberies: At least 14 killed in police shootout

Violence erupted in the city of Milagres after thieves attempted to blow up ATMs at two banks

Frustrated that their attempt to rob the building failed, the armed raiders took hostages. (EPA)

Six hostages were among 14 people killed during a shootout between bank robbers and armed police, authorities in north-eastern Brazil said.

The bullets started flying after thieves attempted to blow up cash machines at two banks in the city of Milagres, in the northern state of Ceara.

Most of the deaths occurred when police opened fire on the robbers at the branches on the main street, a statement by the governor’s office said.

“Six of the bandits died. We are working to identify the victims,” Kelia Jacome, the spokeswoman for the governor said. Two died in hospital of bullet wounds and another was gunned down in a police pursuit.

Five of the hostages, including two children aged 14 and 13, were all from the same family, city mayor Lielson Landim told Radio Band News.

The victims had been grabbed by the fleeing robbers as they were going to the nearby airport to catch a flight. The gang had blocked a road with a truck and seized the family from a vehicle that was forced to stop.

“The criminals killed the hostages and the police killed the criminals,” he added.

The bank heist was foiled by a police unit that had been tracking a gang responsible for similar bank robberies in the area. Three suspects have been arrested by police.

“I could not sleep with the noise of the shots and I also could not leave the house to know what was happening,” An unidentified resident told R7. ”It was total panic.“

Images of the scene show smashed windows and damaged quipment inside the building following the deadly shootout.