Reports have emerged that some security forces at Myanmar Economic Bank in Myittanyunt Ward, Tamway Township, Yangon Region, were shot and a policeman died leading to tightened security checks, local residents said.

They said gunfire was heard till about 12 pm.

“When I returned home in the morning, I heard gunfire three times around from the place where car dealers work. Meanwhile, I had to run as everyone ran and shops closed. There are troops at the bank, the administration office and the school for the deaf in Awaiya Street. A policeman was reportedly hit. In the ward, no one daren’t go out,” said a resident in Myittanyunt Ward.

According to initial reports, after being shot by a gunman, police on security duty at the bank chased after the shooter and returned fire at him. Local residents were also being questioned and cars being stopped and checked.  

“It was chaos. No one daren’t go outside. Cars are being checked,” said a Tamway resident.

After incident, soldiers and police have deployed the areas of Myittanyunt Ward, Aryu Hospital, Tamway Court, Pinshwenyaung Street, Tamway Overpass and Ahthawka Bus Stop carrying out checks.

“All cars are being checked causing a street blockage. Checks are being conducted from the starting point of the poultry market, a passer-by said.