Global General

6 dead in confrontation between gangs, cops in Rio

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-05-30 10:02

SAO PAULO - Authorities say a shootout between rival drug gangs at a Rio de Janeiro slum left six alleged traffickers dead and three bystanders injured.

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Rio de Janeiro police officer Rogerio Martins told local media that about 10 gunmen tried to invade the Para Pedro shantytown in Rio's north side early Sunday when the shootout began, leaving two dead. The other four gang members were killed when police arrived.

Authorities said the three bystanders were hit by stray bullets but were not seriously injured.

Police arrested four alleged gang members and seized several weapons.

Rio will host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.