Two armed men were fatally shot, and a high-powered rifle was seized during a confrontation with the police in the Brown’s Lane area of Granville, St James.

The incident took place shortly after midnight on Thursday, January 1 as members of the security forces acted on intelligence and reports of illegal gun salutes despite repeated public warnings against the practice.

Reports are that members of a joint police-military team responded to reports of explosions and gunfire in the Brown’s Lane area of Granville, St James. Preliminary information indicates that a group of individuals had gathered in the community and were in possession of prohibited firearms, allegedly with the intention of conducting illegal gun salutes.

On arrival, the security forces came under gunfire from armed individuals in the area. The police took evasive action and returned fire in keeping with their training and the prevailing threat. When the situation was brought under control, two male individuals were found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. They were later pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

During this incident, a four-year-old child sustained gunshot injuries and later succumbed to those injuries while receiving medical treatment. A 68-year-old woman was also injured and treated. The JCF extends sincere condolences to the family of the child and expresses deep regret at the loss of this young life, as well as concern for all civilians affected.

Investigations are ongoing, including investigations by the relevant oversight bodies, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are being thoroughly examined.

The identities of the two deceased males are being verified, and intelligence-led enquiries are continuing.

In the lead-up to the New Year, repeated public advisories were issued by both the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), warning against the use of illegal firearms and the practice of celebratory gunfire. These warnings highlighted the grave danger such actions pose to innocent lives, particularly children and other vulnerable persons.