Four shot dead by motorcyclists

TT

Published 20.52

 

Violence in Colombia's border area with Venezuela has prompted many residents to seek protection from authorities, here in a sports stadium in Cúcuta. Photo: Fernando Vergara/AP/TT

At least four people were shot dead when a gunman on a motorcycle attacked a group of people at a bar in Cúcuta, Colombia.

The attack occurred on Sunday night in the town near the border with Venezuela.

The gunman opened fire as he drove past an open bar with several patrons.

"We can unfortunately announce that four people are dead," confirmed police officer Ricardo Conde.

One of the victims was a high-ranking local politician.

Violence in the region has increased significantly recently, with four deadly attacks in the past two weeks. The development is partly due to intense tensions ahead of the presidential election at the end of the month – but mainly to a sharp deterioration in the security situation in the border areas between the two countries.