Gunmen in southern Mexico kill 2, kidnap 4 policemen

A gang of armed assailants have shot to death two men and apparently kidnapped four state police officers in Mexico's southern state of Guerrero.

The state security spokesman says the attacks yesterday killed two men aged 72 and 64, and wounded a woman.

Roberto Alvarez said in a statement that police have been dispatched to search for the missing officers.

Witnesses reported that the attackers wore masks and military-style gear and were driving in a convoy of eight pickup trucks or SUVs.

The attacks occurred in the rural town of Xochipala, near the state capital.

The region is a major producer of opium poppies, and has been the scene of turf battles between drug gangs.