HYDERABAD, Jan 10: The Site police claimed to have arrested five alleged robbers near Phuleli Canal here on Thursday night after an exchange of fire.

Those arrested were identified as Bago, Haji Khan, Hakim, Noor Deen and Sarwar, all Chandio by caste.

The police claimed that a group of ten robbers crossed the Phuleli Canal on a boat, who were spotted by the police and asked to surrender.

They, however, opened fire on the police, who returned the fire and arrested five of them, the police said.

They were found in possession of three guns, a revolver, 16 bullets and 16 cartridges.

Bago and Haji Khan are residents of Sita Road, Dadu. Hakim is resident of Thatta and the last two are residents of Shah Latif Colony, Site.

The police said that the fleeing five robbers were identified as Hussain Detho, Rajab Chandio, Matho Kolhi, Rano Kolhi and Babu Kolhi.

Five separate FIRs have been lodged against them.

They have also been booked under sections 13-D of the Arms Ordinance.

The Site police said that during interrogation, they confessed having committed several crimes, including a robbery in a village of Site area.