A number of residents yesterday fled Big Lane in Central Village, following another outbreak of violence in the volatile community.

Among those who packed their belongings and sought shelter elsewhere were members of two families whose houses were fire-bombed and shot up by men said to members of the Detroit gang at about 11:00 Tuesday night.

In the meanwhile, the police said a loaded Brico 9mm pistol was yesterday seized in the nearby community of China Town in Windsor Heights, following an early afternoon shoot-out with members of the “Apple” and “Agaphentos” gangs in the community.

No one was injured during the gunfight, but a spokesman for the constabulary said about nine who engaged them at about 1:00 later escaped in bushes, leaving the weapon behind.

Police superintendent, Delma Harrison, head of the St Catherine South Division, said 20 spent shells and two unexploded sticks of dynamite were found at Big Lane where the houses were attacked.

Over the past three months at least six people, including a woman, have been shot dead in gang-related violence, while another 12 have been shot and injured.

The woman, Rosala Robinson, 40, of Big Lane was shot dead at her home on February 15, allegedly by a member of the “Detroit” gang after she was accused of receiving money from overseas from a gang leader, identified by the police as “Bad Indian”, for purchasing arms and ammunition.

An officer at the Central Village police station said violence in Central Village and Windsor Heights has been linked to gang rivalry, reprisal, fight for turf and guns, drugs, politics and ‘scarce benefits’.

But he said the recent problem to the rivalry for leadership in one of the gangs. “(The) leader of one of the gangs, “Bad Indian”, has allegedly gone to England and gang members cannot decide who should lead.” the policeman said.

Superintendent Harrison, said, however, that the police would maintain a presence in the communities to counter the gang activities and reassure residents, until the situation returned to normal.