An Ontario police officer was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon in Hagersville.

It was around 2:30 p.m. as Grzegorz Pierzchala of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) prepared to respond to a vehicle in the ditch near the intersection of Indian Line and Concession 14. He was shot when he arrived at the scene, OPP said in a statement.

Seriously injured, the 28-year-old officer was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene. "After a major search of the area, two people were arrested," the police said.

The alert that had been issued asking the population to seek refuge has been withdrawn.

Anyone with information related to this event is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.