Russian police kill 5 alleged robbers

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MOSCOW, Feb. 29 (UPI) -- Russian police and security services agents ambushed a gang of thieves, killing five of them, early Wednesday, officials said.

Three alleged members of the gang were arrested, RIA Novosti reported.

Police received a tip the group was planning an armed robbery at a warehouse in Khimki, Yevgeny Gildeyev, a spokesman for the Moscow regional police said. One police officer was injured in the shootout.

The three suspects face charges that included robbery and the attempted murder of a police officer. They could receive life sentences if they are found guilty.

Gildeyev said the gang is believed to be responsible for other violent crimes in the Moscow region. He said its members are originally from Russian republics in the North Caucasus.