Armed men have broken into the set of a TV channel in Ecuador as it broadcast live as the country reeled from a series of attacks after the government imposed a state of emergency in the wake of the apparent escape of a powerful gang leader from prison.Men with their faces covered entered the set of the TC Television network in the port city of Guayaquil and shouted that they had bombs.
Noises similar to gunshots could be heard in the background.The channel broadcast live for at least 15 minutes before the signal was cut off.
While the transmission was on, the men could be seen on camera while some employees laid on the floor and someone was heard shouting: “Don’t shoot!”Police said some units were deployed to the media facilities.
Hours earlier, authorities had confirmed a series of attacks around the country, including explosions and the abduction of several police officers.Police reported four officers had been kidnapped on Monday night and remained missing, one in the capital Quito and three in Quevedo city.