Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Police operations in St Catherine and St Andrew have resulted in the fatal shooting of an alleged gunman, the seizure of three illegal guns and the arrest of two persons yesterday.

Reports are that about 4 a.m., the Lawrence Tavern police conducted an operation in the Florence Hall district of St Andrew. During the search of a house, two 9mm pistols along with five rounds of ammunition were found.

A man and a woman who were reportedly at the premises were taken into police custody.

wanted men

This followed an earlier operation in the Kingland area of Kitson Town, St Catherine.

In that incident, a police/military party went into the community in search of wanted men.

Police reports are that the party was confronted by a group of heavily armed men who started to shoot at the party. This resulted in an ensuing gunbattle during which the unidentified man was killed.After the shooting subsided, one M16 rifle was seized from his body.

The Star was also informed that two members of the police party were also injured during the incident.

Head of the St Catherine North Police Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Marlon Nesbeth, said the seizure of the weapon is welcomed by the police as criminals have plagued the community, by creating mayhem that drives fear in residents.

'The Independent Commission of Investigations has since started a probe into the matter.