Policemen killed in failed bank raid

A gang using bombs and weapons tried to storm a bank in Baghdad in a failed robbery bid in which at least two policemen were killed, Iraqi security officials said today.

The officials said the assault began with four bombs exploding near the state-run Al-Rafidain bank in south-western Baghdad. A gun battle followed and two policemen were killed and two suspected robbers captured.

Military spokesman Major General Qassim al-Moussawi said it was unclear whether the gang has links to Sunni insurgents.

Baghdad has been hit recently by a wave of targeted attacks on security officials and government workers.