Farmer shot and robbed of motorcycle

A Westmoreland farmer who was shot while driving his motorcycle and robbed on Wednesday evening, is in hospital in critical condition.

The police have not released the identity of the 42-year-old victim, but reported that he is from Frome. Reports are that about 6:30 p.m., the victim was driving his motorcycle along the Sweet River main road in the parish, when upon reaching a section of the roadway, he was approached by two men who were also travelling on a motorcycle. They brandished handguns and opened gunfire hitting him multiple times.

The farmer fell from his motorcycle and the gunman who was riding as pillion on the other bike, jumped off and took the victim's motorcycle. The police were summoned by persons in the community and upon arrival, the wounded farmer was transported to the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital where he was admitted.

Investigators told THE WEEKEND STAR that a search has since been launched to apprehend the two gunmen, but so far the police have been unsuccessful.

One senior officer also told the news team that over the past two months, the Westmoreland Police Division has seen a significant increase in murders and shootings.

The officer pointed out that there have been 121 murders recorded in the division since the start of the year, compared to 76 murders for the corresponding period last year.

- H.B.