The two gunmen arrested over the Kotahena shooting were shot dead by police last night while allegedly attempting to seize a firearm and escape during a search for hidden weapons, the Police said.

A police constable was also injured in the incident, according to police.

The suspects had earlier been apprehended by the Grandpass Police while attempting to flee after a shooting at Galpoththa Junction in Kotahena. They were found in possession of the T56 firearm used to kill a man in the attack.