Residents in Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town attack police

Ellerslie Pen, also known as Capture Land, in Spanish Town, St Catherine is now under tense stand-off between residents and police early this morning following a police operation targeting wanted men.

Residents, angered by the operation, reportedly attacked members of the security forces with stones and bottles, forcing them to fire warning shots into the air.

The protesters escalated tensions by blocking roads leading into the community and slashing the tires of police vehicles, hampering the mobility of law enforcement.

Sporadic gunfire has been reported as police and military personnel work to regain control of the volatile area.

The operation, reportedly carried out by the Fugitive Apprehension Squad, failed to capture its intended target, who managed to escape amid the chaos caused by residents' actions.

No one was injured in the incident.

A heavy security presence remains in the area as authorities work to stabilise the situation.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and residents in the community.

- Ruddy Mathison

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