Three criminals were killed and two others - wanted by police in dozens of cases - were injured and arrested with weapons after an encounter here on Wednesday.

The encounter took place in Pezu area of Lakki Marwat where the police had launched an operation against the criminals. Three criminals, wanted by police in several cases, were killed while two others were injured and arrested with arms.

The bodies and injured robbers were shifted to hospital for medico-legal formalities. Separate cases were registered against the detainees at concerned police station investigation was underway.