ROSTOV-ON-DON, October 5 (RIA Novosti) - A police officer was killed as unidentified assailants opened fire at a police patrol vehicle in the North Caucasus Republic of Ingushetia, the local interior ministry said on Sunday.

According to the ministry, the attack occurred late on Saturday when the attackers opened automatic fire at the policeman's car.

An investigation has been launched. Police are searching for a Russian-made Lada car, which the assailants have reportedly used for the attack.

Although the active phase of all-out counter-terrorist operations in Chechnya ended years ago, sporadic clashes with small militant groups and attacks on police and officials in Chechnya and neighboring republics are not uncommon. Ingushetia has seen a sharp increase in attacks on law enforcement and military personnel since the start of 2008.