A senior police officer was critically wounded in a militant ambush at Mendhar, in the border district of Poonch, in Jammu region on Wednesday morning.

Police said militants sprayed a volley of bullets from automatic weapons at the vehicle of Yugal Manhas, sub-divisional police officer Mendhar, near the local police station.

"Manhas sustained serious bullet injuries in his shoulder and chest. He was airlifted to Jammu for specialised treatment," said a police officer.

Senior district police and civil officers visited Mehdhar and a massive search operation was launched to nab those involved in the attack.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.