MONCTON, New Brunswick -- Three police officers were shot dead and two others injured Wednesday in the eastern Canadian province of New Brunswick, officials said, and authorities were searching for a suspect.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in New Brunswick said on its Twitter feed that three officers were dead and two others had suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Police spokesman Paul Greene confirmed the deaths.

The Horizon Health Network, a provincial health authority, said on its Twitter feed that two patients were taken to Moncton Hospital with gunshot wounds.

The police said on Twitter that they were looking for 24-year-old Justin Bourque of Moncton.

Constable Damien Theriault said police were urging people in the area to stay inside their homes and lock their doors Wednesday night. Drivers also were asked to stay out of the area. Theriault said earlier that the search for the suspect was concentrated around two streets.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney said on Twitter that he was "shocked by the tragedy" and that his thoughts and prayers were with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.

Such violence is rare in Canada, particularly on Canada's east coast.

A Section on 06/05/2014