Television images show suspects trying to escape across rooftops when police entered the slum in armored vehicles and helicopters flew overhead.

Three policemen were shot and one died of a head wound in the hospital, according to local media.

Brazilian police confirmed the death of one of their officers, Inspector Andre Leonardo de Mello Frias.

“With extreme regret, the Civil Police Secretariat informs the death of Police Inspector Andre Leonardo De Mello Frias, on Thursday (06/05), during operation to combat organized crime in the community of Jacarezinho, north of Rio,” a statement on Facebook said.

The raid was the largest number of deaths in a police operation in Rio de Janeiro, officials said. (ILKHA)