Hungary hunts bank gunmen

Large-calibre automatic weapons were used, police say

Police in Hungary have launched a hunt for two men who staged a bank robbery on Thursday which left seven people dead.

This is the most brutal attack I have known in 34 years of police work

Peter Orban
National Police Chief

The toll climbed overnight with the death of one of two people critically injured in the shooting, which took place inside the Austrian Erste Bank in the town of Mor.

Three of the dead have been identified as bank employees, one as a security guard and three others as customers. A further bank client who was wounded in the shooting is said to be fighting for life in hospital.

"This is the most brutal attack I have known in 34 years of police work," national police chief Peter Orban told reporters.

Getaway on foot

The two assailants, who are believed to be aged between 20 and 25, escaped from the bank on foot. Police say the suspects are known for previous criminal activity.

It remains unclear whether they managed to escape with money, and if so, how much.

Police are carrying out random checks on vehicles across the country, looking for the suspects.

There is a reward of 10 million forints ($37,150) for information leading to their arrest.

Observers say this kind of violent hit-and-run attack is unprecedented in Hungary, which is one of the frontrunners for EU membership of the former communist countries of the eastern bloc.