A manhunt has been launched in the Canadian city of Moncton after three police officers were shot dead by a man described as “armed and dangerous”.

Justin Bourque, 24, is suspected of killing three police officers and leaving two more injured as they investigated reports of an armed man wearing camouflage clothing at around 20:00 local time (23:00 GMT) in the north-west of the city.

The two wounded officers are reported to be in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have told residents to lock their doors and tweeted a photograph of Bourque, warning people to stay away.

Codiac RCMP are searching for 24-y-o Justin Bourque of Moncton. Anyone with information call 9-1-1. http://t.co/JCcJyixfce

— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) June 5, 2014

Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condoelnces to the families of the police officers killed, saying:

“The sacrifice of these brave officers will be honoured and remembered”