A gang of masked and heavily armed robbers on Monday ambushed an armoured cash van on State Road 613 between Brindisi and Lecce in southern Italy, authorities have confirmed.
The attackers reportedly disguised themselves as police officers and blocked the highway using a burning vehicle before targeting the cash van. They allegedly deployed explosives in an attempt to breach the armoured vehicle and access its contents.
Italian Carabinieri officers responded swiftly to the scene, leading to an exchange of gunfire between security forces and the suspects. No injuries were reported during the confrontation.
Preliminary reports indicate that the robbery attempt was unsuccessful, as the attackers failed to access the cash inside the armoured van.
Security forces later detained two suspects in connection with the attack, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the gang.
