Libyan gunmen have shot and killed five policemen in the capital, Tripoli, security officials said.
Officials said today that gunmen had stolen a car belonging to the Ministry of Justice yesterday.
Three policemen were killed instantly when the thieves opened fire on officers who chased them during the theft. Two more policemen died later of their wounds.
The Libyan news agency said the armed group had taken one policeman captive.
Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to journalists.
Libya has seen a deterioration in security since the uprising that led to the ouster of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Authorities have depended on unruly militias in the absence of a strong police force or a unified military.
