Sri Lanka, Feb. 23 -- Four individuals have been arrested in connection with a series of thefts, including the brutal assault of a prison officer using a sharp weapon and the theft of a motorcycle in the Hikkaduwa area.

The suspects, aged 22, 33, 35, and 36, are residents of Thibbotugoda, Horana, Moragahahena, and Bulathsinhala, police said. Among them is a person who allegedly purchased stolen items to resell them in parts.

Police have recovered the sharp weapon used and three stolen motorcycles.

In addition, one motorcycle that had been sold and dismantled in Bulathsinhala was also recovered.

According to police, these crimes were uncovered during the interrogation of a suspect arrested with heroin during a night patrol.

The suspec...