MOSCOW - Two police officers have been killed and five people injured in a shootout in Russia's Republic of Dagestan on Monday, according to regional authorities.

According to the head of the Republic of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, the shootout occurred in Dagestan's capital city of Makhachkala when the police officers attempted to stop a passing car before the driver opened fire.

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The attackers seized the officers' firearms, stole a service car and attempted to flee but were later neutralized, Melikov said, adding that a criminal case has been opened into the incident.

The interior ministry confirmed that two police officers had been killed in the attack according to preliminary information, and said the incident occurred at about 14:15 local time.

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Two other police officers and three civilians have been injured and are currently being treated in hospitals, according to health authorities.