The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has released the identities of the eight inmates who escaped custody during a jail break at the Black River Police Station lock-up in St Elizabeth last night (June 18).

Among the escapee are Oral Cole, charged with robbery; Richard Brown, charged with robbery; Alrick Hutchinson, charged with robbery; Dewar Williams, charged with illegal possession of firearm and Kenneth Stewart, charged with illegal possession of firearm.

The others are Anward Hines, charged with murder; Dean Simpson, charged with rape and robbery; and Javaughn Simms, charged with murder.

The inmates made their escape by cutting through the metal bar in a window of the lock-up.

Police have since launched a manhunt in search of the eight escapees.