A group of masked and heavily armed robbers attempted to ambush an armoured cash van on State Road 613 between Brindisi and Lecce in southern Italy on Monday, authorities confirmed.
According to reports, the gang disguised themselves as police officers and blocked the highway using a burning vehicle.
They also deployed explosives in an effort to breach the armoured van and access its cash.
Italian Carabinieri officers responded quickly, resulting in an exchange of gunfire with the suspects.
No injuries were reported during the confrontation.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the robbery was unsuccessful, as the attackers were unable to access the van’s contents.
Security forces later detained two suspects, and investigations continue to identify and apprehend the remaining members of the gang.