KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Three robbers, believed to be foreigners, were shot dead by police during a botched robbery attempt at a house in Batu 20, Jalan Selayang, Rawang, early this morning.

Selangor CID chief SAC Mohad Adnan Abdullah said the suspects had broken into a house in Saujana Templer at about 5am but failed to rob the victims of any valuables.

"There were six people sleeping in the house during the house that belonged to a contractor. The contractor's wife woke up and realised that there were suspicious people inside the house and quickly called the police," he told Bernama when contacted today.

Mohd Adnan said following the information, police arrived at the scene to find a Proton Wira parked at a dark street, about 300 metres from the house.

"Two of the suspects fired three shots at the police and police returned fire. Three suspects were shot during the cross fire," he said.

Police recovered two pistols, machetes, face masks and other tools used for breaking into houses, in the car, said Mohd Adnan.

During investigations carried out at the victim's house, police found a hand phone and bag, believed to be that of the suspects, while the back door was prised open using a lever.

He said the bodies of the suspects were later taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for post-mortem.