Manila  - Four suspected kidnappers were killed in a shootout with Philippine police on Tuesday, a police report said.

The suspects were allegedly on their way to kidnap a child in the Manila suburban city of San Juan when they were intercepted by police.

The police report said the kidnappers opened fire at police officers at a checkpoint in Valenzuela City, triggering the firefight.

The checkpoint was set up after police received intelligence reports of a planned kidnapping by suspects coming from Valenzuela.

The suspects tried to flee on foot, but police officers chased them, the police report said.

Three suspects died on the spot, while one expired while being treated in hospital. Two suspects escaped, the report added. (dpa)