A police officer has sustained gunshot injuries after a suspect allegedly seized the officer's service pistol and opened fire at Dewamottawa Road in Katunayake, a short while ago.

It is reported that the individual had opened fire at a police officer at the location before fleeing on a motorcycle at around 3.50 p.m. today (15).

Police said that two police officers had stopped and searched two youths travelling on a motorcycle, on suspicion of drug possession during a routine mobile patrol.

However, as the officers had attempted to take them into custody, one of the suspects had fled while one of the two officers had proceeded to chase after him. 

Subsequently, the other arrested suspect had scuffled with the other police officer during which he then snatched the policeman’s service pistol, according to police. 

Other police officers who were at the checkpoint had then arrived at the location and at that moment the suspect had opened fire at one of the police officers, injuring him. 

The suspect had then proceeded to flee with the firearm after snatching the motorcycle of a passerby. 

The injured police officer has been admitted to the Minuwangoda Hospital, police said. 

Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the suspects.