The police and army are keeping a close watch on the community of Sterling in Grange Hill, Westmoreland which yesterday came under siege by gunmen who shot 11 people during two attacks.
The community is tense.
In the first incident, seven people were injured in a drive-by shooting about 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The individuals were walking when gunmen drove up and opened fire on them. One person later died.
About four hours later gunmen returned to the area and opened fire on a bar. The criminals then went on a shooting spree. Four people were shot. The police had to call for reinforcements.
It was reported that there were scenes of chaos as persons ran for cover. Motorists had to stop their vehicles and seek refuge from the gunfire.
Staff at Savanna-la-mar Hospital were overwhelmed by the number of gunshot victims. Up to late last night, some of the injured persons were undergoing emergency surgery.
Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Member of Parliament for the area, characterised the situation in Sterling as one resembling a scene from the Wild West.
“It’s mayhem,” he said.
