Athens - A Greek anti-terrorist policeman was shot dead by two unknown attackers in central Athens, reports said Wednesday. The officer was sitting in his car guarding a witness at the time of the attack in the Ano Patissia area of central Athens.
The witness was reportedly involved in a case against a left-wing terrorist group.
Reports said the officer was shot ten times. The attackers fled the scene by motorcycle.
Since January, three police officers have been shot by unknown assailants while on duty.
Greece has been plagued by daily bombings and arson attacks on banks and multinational businesses since police shot a teenager in December 2008. The shooting sparked the worst riots the country has seen in decades.
The violence has embarrassed Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' government, which has been criticized for its inability to protect the public.
The government has vowed to crack down on the increasing violence and has sought advice from Scotland Yard.