Six men were shot dead in Lae city after police chased a stolen bus used in a robbery at Eriku today. Lae Metropolitan Commander Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said the suspects hijacked a 15-seater bus at Miles. “They pretended to be passengers before holding up the driver and crew,” he said. “About 11 to 12 of them then forced the bus back to Eriku.” At Eriku, the gang robbed the I-One store. They took cash, cigarettes, Flex cards and Vodafone cards. The total value of the stolen goods is not yet known. Mobile Squad 13 intercepted the bus and chased it to Bundi camp. The suspects opened fire on police. “The bonnet of our vehicle was hit by bullets, and one officer was scratched on the hand by pellets,” Kunyanban said. Other units joined in. Six suspects were killed in the shoot-out. Two were seriously injured. About three escaped. Police recovered several homemade guns. Kunyanban said police will continue to track down those still on the run. “This is a strong message to criminals,” he said. “Police will not hesitate to act when public safety is threatened. Police will not tolerate criminals challenging them and have the right to be protected when they carry out their constitutional duties.” Lae has seen a rise in violent hold-ups in recent months. Police say investigations are continuing.