The Ashanti Regional Police Command has killed four suspected highway robbers in a shoot-out at Asumegya in the Asante Bekwai District.

Assembly member for the area, Kofi Frimpong, tells Luv News that the suspected robbers had mounted a roadblock between Bekwai and Fomena in an attempt to rob commuters on that stretch at dawn on Wednesday.

He said police chased them to a basic school at Asumegya, where the shoot-out occurred.

Mr Frimpong noted one of the suspects managed to escape and is currently on the run.

"It is believed they entered the school to find a haven. Unfortunately for them, the police could figure them out. A gun battle ensued between them and the police, which led to the death of four of them", he explained.

Residents say combating highway robbery in the area has been a challenge for the police over the years.

In February 2020, 17 passengers traveling from Elubo in the Western Region were robbed at gunpoint between Asante Bekwai and Anwia Nkanta.

Though no casualties were reported, cash and other valuables were stolen from the victims.

Meanwhile, residents of communities in the area have joined police in searching for the suspect who escaped.

Police are yet to issue official communication on the incident.