TERRORISM! - 3 killed, 6 injured as patrons at football match attacked

A group of murderous brutes yesterday unleashed terror on patrons a football match at the Jamaica Broilers playing field in Spring Village, Old Harbour, St Catherine, killing three persons and injuring six others.

The deceased have been identified as Tamara Ebanks, Jerome Squire and a man known as Curry.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey said investigations have so far suggested that the attack was carried out as a result of a missing gun.

"We understand that the target was Squire [and that] he was targeted over a missing gun," Bailey said yesterday.

The deputy commissioner described the drive-by, committed by men travelling in a white Toyota Mark X motor car and a Nissan Tiida, as an act of terror.

"I don't see this as normal. We talk about domestic terrorism; this is domestic terrorism," Bailey, who oversees the crime portfolio, said.

The incident occurred about 4:45 p.m while a six-a-side football competition was in progress. THE STAR understands that after one of the gunmen shot Squire, he continued to fire at the crowd.

One woman, who was in the crowd, said she was frightened for her life.

"Right now mi not going back to no more football match as all now mi a shake from how much running mi do," the resident said.

A taxi operator told THE STAR that he refrains from attending football games and other public gathering as a result of yesterday's incident.

"I was just about to enter the the play field when a pure gunshots and people a scream. This is a wicked act," the cabbie said.

In a statement last night, Danah Cameron, group public relations manager at Best Dressed Chicken, said the company is "shocked and extremely saddened" by the incident, which took place in the vicinity of its sports field.

"Our condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. The matter is being investigated by the police and we trust that justice will be served," Cameron said.