At least 25 killed in Brazil shootout

At least 25 people including a police officer have been killed in a shootout in Rio de Janeiro, reports bbc online.

The shootout took place during a police operation in a favela in the Jacarezinho area of the city.

Civil Police launched the operation after receiving reports that drug traffickers were recruiting children for their gang.

Two passengers on a metro train were hit by bullets but survived.

Civil Police in the city confirmed the death of one of their officers, police inspector Andre Leonardo de Mello Frias. A statement on Facebook said "he honoured the profession he loved and will be missed".

According to local news, the gang targeted in this raid engages in drug trafficking, mugging, murders and kidnappings.

Agencies