Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

Video Credit: CEN/@tulioedmundo.ingarios

This is the moment screaming police officers are attacked with Molotov cocktails and set on fire in the back of a police van leaving 12 of them with burns injuries.

The incident took place in the area of La Bolichera in the district of Surco located in the western Peruvian capital Lima during a police operation against illegal motorcycle-taxi workers, according to reports.

National Police commander Yhony Rolando Valderrama said the cabbies tried to set alight the police van the officers were in.

The video footage shows one screaming cop in flames moments after a Molotov cocktail had been thrown by the group.

According to local media, the police have identified several group members through the CCTV footage and are planning a sting to detain them.

Reports said the 12 injured officers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment to second- and third-degree burns.

Surco mayor Jean Pierre Combe confirmed that they are all still receiving hospital care.

According to reports, one suspect identified as 33-year-old Venezuelan national Cesar Javier Marin Tirado has been arrested by the cops.

The suspect reportedly admitted to taking part in the confrontation and the investigation is ongoing.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.