Three officers dead in attack on police patrol in southern Russia (VIDEO)

The suspects have fled the scene in a stolen police car, the Dagestani Interior Ministry has said

A group of gunmen has attacked a police patrol car in Makhachkala, the capital of Russia’s Dagestan Republic, killing at least three officers, local authorities said on Monday.

The assailants stole a police vehicle and fled the scene, the regional Interior Ministry said, citing preliminary information. At least two suspects were killed during the attack, TASS reported, citing the ministry.

Footage circulating online shows a police SUV with a uniformed officer lying motionless on the ground by the vehicle. A man armed with a large knife is seen inspecting the car, while another person in civilian clothing, presumably one of the attackers, is seen lying on the ground and taking aim with a shortened AK-pattern rifle. A wounded police officer can be seen trying to take cover in the background.

The knife-wielding attacker appeared to try to finish off the wounded officer, with the two ending up in melee, another video suggests. The officer overpowered his assailant, evidently killing him with his own weapon. Extremely graphic imagery circulating online shows the attacker in a pool of blood, with multiple gaping knife wounds visible.

At least seven people have been hospitalized following the incident, including at least two civilians, the local health ministry has said. It also said at least two suspects were among the wounded receiving treatment, with another three apparently in police custody. One victim has succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, according to the ministry.

The Russian Investigative Committee said it has launched a criminal investigation. The suspects face charges of attempted murder of law enforcement officers, hijacking, and stealing weaponry.