Kirchner condemns triple killing

By Daniel Schweimler
BBC News, Argentina

Mr Kirchner expressed outrage at the triple murder

Argentine President Nestor Kirchner has condemned the "savage" killing of three police guards at a government building.

The officers were gunned down in the early hours of Friday as they guarded a security ministry communications centre south of the capital, Buenos Aires.

Mr Kirchner expressed outrage at the "savage crime", demanding a swift and thorough investigation.

The crime has shocked a nation preparing to head to the polls on 28 October, with rising crime a key issue.

"This was a savage crime that all Argentines repudiate," Mr Kirchner said in a televised statement.

He added that it was "no coincidence" the killings had occurred so close to the elections, which will decide his successor.

Nationwide search

Mr Kirchner said he did not know whether the crime was the result of a robbery gone wrong, linked to organised criminal activity, or whether it involved individuals on currently on trial for crimes committed during Argentina's time under military rule in the 1970s and 80s.

A nationwide search is under way for the killers.

The dead policemen's weapons, bullet-proof vests, radio equipment and a police car were stolen.

Senior government officials have been meeting to discuss the attack, which happened on the outskirts of the city of La Plata, south of the capital.

Mr Kirchner's wife, Cristina Fernandez, has been polling strongly ahead of next weekend's elections.

The conservative opposition party has demanded a tougher stance against crime.