ETA is being blamed for the killing of a Spanish undercover policeman in France. Another Guardia Civil officer has also been seriously wounded. It is thought to be the first killing by the armed Basque separatist group since calling off a 15-month ceasefire in June. The officers are reported to have been shot during a joint surveillance operation by Spanish and French officers.

A search is underway for three ETA suspects, two men and a woman, who fled the scene near the resort town of Capbreton. The Spanish officers are said to have been shot at close range as they were getting into their car after leaving a restaurant.

ETA has killed more than 800 people in four decades of armed struggle for independence for the Basque regions in northern Spain and southern France.

Copyright © 2012 euronews