Police smash Kalashnikov-wielding robbery ring

Three members of a violent robbery ring that has wielded Kalashnikov assault rifles in several raids on homes and stores in parts of Attica as well as Thiva and Larissa, have been detained by authorities while police seek to trace their accomplices.

Police on Wednesday arrested three suspected ring members, aged 20, 24 and 26 -- all Albanian nationals -- while a 24-year-old suspect is being sought on the eastern Aegean island of Chios.

According to police, the ring is behind more than 30 robberies. Members of the racket opened fire at police officers with Kalashnikovs during a chase in Oinofyta, in Viotia.