Three of the alleged attackers were shot and injured, while the fourth managed to escape. - File photo

Three men killed in alleged shootout with police in Hanover

· The Gleaner

Three alleged gunmen were killed on Wednesday afternoon in a reported shootout with police along the Mosquito Cove main road in Hanover.

The  Jamaica Constabulary Force's Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) says about 5:35 p.m., members of the Area One Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT) were conducting a special operation and signalled a dark-coloured Toyota Voxy to stop.

It says four men armed with guns exited the vehicle and began shooting at the police.

The police reportedly returned fire, leading to a running gun battle.

Three of the alleged attackers were shot and injured, while the fourth managed to escape.

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The injured men were taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The CCU says two firearms were seized.

One of the deceased men has been identified as Clive Lawson, also known as 'Greedy', from Mount Salem in Saint James.

Lawson was reportedly the leader of the Katon Defence Force (KDF) gang, which operates in the Mount Salem area.

The police say he was also a suspect in a recent attack on Campbell Lane, St James, in which a man was killed and several homes were fired upon.

The Area One Police, which covers Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny, says they will continue operations targeting wanted individuals and violence producers.

It has issued a warning to criminals that no effort will be spared in bringing them to justice.