Three guards are shot dead in prison van ambush as four gunman attack vehicle at French tollbooth and free inmate before going on the run

Three prison officers have been shot dead after four gunmen ambushed their vehicle at a French tollbooth, before freeing the inmate and fleeing on foot.

The prison wan was attacked after 11am on the A154 motorway near the Incarville toll, located in the town of Val-de-Reuil, Normandy, France.

At least three French guards were killed, and two others were left wounded, following the attack which saw the assailants and a detainee managing to escape the scene.

According to La Parisien, the inmate is 'known to the courts for attempted homicide'.

The inmate was being transported between the towns of Rouen and Evreux in Normandy.  

Following the ambush, the road has been closed by police for an 'indefinite period', Bison Futé reported.

Footage posted online showed emergency services gathered at the tollbooth this morning.

A fire engine was also filmed pulling up just metres away from the chaotic scene. 

Deputy mayor of Vendée, Veronique Besse, took to X, formerly Twitter, to express her 'shock' towards the incident.

I am deeply shocked & saddened by the scene of war against a convoy of the prison administration at #Incarville, which cost the lives of several agents,' she wrote. 

'Every day, unspeakable acts of barbarity strike our country to the great indifference of our leaders. I send my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected'.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.