Two police officers were killed by gunmen in North Sinai on Friday afternoon, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported.

Colonel Mohamed Salmi and Colonel Amr Fathi of the Central Security Forces were killed by unknown gunmen in Sheikh Zuweid, Police General Ashraf Abdullah said.

Salmi was the commander of the border protection sector, while Fathi was responsible for sector's security.

Salmi was a member of the local El-Sawarka tribe.

The gunmen reportedly fled the scene.

Security forces are investigating the crime scene.

Since the ousting of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, attacks against security forces have soared, especially in North Sinai. Over 500 police and army personnel have been killed.