Police in Tema are hunting for armed robbers who shot and killed a policeman guarding an HFC bullion van early Monday. The robbers allegedly attacked the police officer at a filling station in Lashibi, a suburb of Accra, where the bullion van had parked to refill. The deceased whose name has been withheld is from the buffalo unit in Tema. Tema Regional Police Commander ACP Augustine Gyaning told Joy News’ Bernard Saibu a police patrol team from Accra on hearing the news of the attack pursued the robbers and in fierce exchange of gun fire managed to retrieve the gun of the deceased police personnel, a pomp action gun belonging to the robbers and an amount of GH₵7,000. No arrests were made as the robbers fled to safety. The Regional Commander said the police had to cease fire because the scene of the gun battle had been swarmed by onlookers. He feared stray bullets could hit an unintended target. The bullion van was en route to one of HFC's branches in Tema when the robbery occurred. Meanwhile the police have expressed worry over the increasing spate of attacks on its personnel by armed robbers. The Director of Police Public Relations, DSP Kwesi Ofori recounted three episodes (including Monday's attack) in just a week where the police were attacked for carrying out their legitimate duties. He said the police have a right to life and will defend themselves in wake of unwarranted attacks by of armed gangs. His comments come after protests by some human rights advocates over what appeared to be the 'shoot to kill' policy adopted by the police and which claimed the lives of some suspected armed robbers. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana