(CNN Spanish) -
Four policemen from the Zacatecas metropolitan force died and one more was injured this Saturday in what several Public Security officials classified as a "cowardly attack" in the state capital.
The deaths were confirmed at a press conference by the Attorney General of Justice of Zacatecas, Francisco Murillo, who indicated that an investigation into the events was opened.
According to a statement from the Public Security authorities, the incident occurred in the vicinity of the Zacatecas National Fair when unknown individuals opened fire on the police with large caliber weapons.
He added that the policemen were off duty and were in a private car.
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Murillo said that after the attack an operation was carried out in the area, but as of this Sunday no arrests were reported.
"From the Secretariat of Public Security we regret and reproach the cowardly attack that was registered today (Saturday) against elements of the corporation, the Metropolitan Police," said the secretary of state Public Security, Arturo López, at the conference.
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López added that the Secretariat will help in the investigation of the Prosecutor's Office.
The Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Public Security have not responded to CNN's requests for more information.