Police said that they shot and killed two leaders of an organized crime gang in south China's Guangdong Province, as the two resisted arrest during a manhunt early on Sunday.

The two were identified by their surnames as Yao and Peng.

The Bao'an district branch of Shenzhen city public security bureau had been investigating the gang, led by Yao and Peng, which allegedly engaged in illegal activities in the city's Fuyong Community, including car thefts, extortions and protection rackets.

The investigative group of the police found Yao was a fugitive who was held responsible for a fatal case, while Peng had served time for illegal weapons possession, local police sources said.

Both Yao and Peng were seen by police who were monitoring the gang's activities early on Sunday. At that point, the two attempted to solicit protection fees from individuals in a residential section of Fuyong.

Realizing that they were surrounded, the two attempted to escape in a car but were cornered by several police vehicles. The police ordered the suspects to get out of the car.

Peng, who was driving, tried to break through the police barricade and speed away. After firing warning shots, the police said, they shot and killed Peng.

When the police tried to seize Yao, who was in the passenger seat, Yao confronted the police with a rifle, which he pointed at the officers as he threatened to kill them. Yao was gunned down at the scene.

The case is under further investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2008)