Armed robbers used hostages as shields to escape police, tie people on their cars

Bank robbers in Brazil tied hostages on their vehicles to escape heavy police after a raid on the southern Brazilian city of Araçatuba. Police stated that at least three died in the event, including one suspect.

A gang of massively well-armed men attacked three banks in the centre of Araçatuba in the early hours of Monday local time. Authorities said more than 20 people took part in the heist, blocked roads, set fire to vehicles, and installed explosive devices in the city.

Military Police lieutenant Alexandre Guedes told GloboNews that one person was killed by the gangs, while a female and another suspected died during a stand-off with police.

Besides this, a 25-year-old cyclist was seriously injured when one of the explosives planted by the gang went off as he passed by. The reports revealed that the person was rushed to a hospital where his feet had to be amputated.

Authorities said there are around three people in the hospital getting treated for bullet injuries.

Military Police lieutenant Alexandre Guedes said the gangs implanted 14 bombs across the city, operated through heat and pressure sensors.

After the raid, the gang took several hostages and encompassed the local military police. Gang members also blocked key entrance roads to the city by placing cars on fire.

CCTV videos posted by Twitter users revealed several cars rushing across the city with people died on top of them. Many residents reported hearing gunshots and even the sound of explosions.

Araçatuba Mayor Dilador Borges said police were fighting to intervene as the attack progressed and took control of the city. He said he is not sure about the status of hostages.

Large-scale bank robberies have become more common in recent years, with hostages being used as human shields in Brazil. Initial reports had put the number of attackers at more than 50, but that number has since been revised to between 15 and 20.