THE police have commenced an investigation into a shooting incident in Spalding, Clarendon, yesterday in which a bus driver was shot and injured during a confrontation with officers. A policeman was also physically assaulted during the incident.

The Independent Commission of Investigations is also investigating the incident.

A police service vehicle was badly damaged and reinforcement had to be called in to restore order in the area following the confrontation.

The constabulary’s Corporate Communication Unit (CCU), in a release last night, urged citizens to desist from obstructing or violently confronting the police as they carry out their duties. “While our officers are trained to deal with different situations, it is imperative that citizens recognise that they have a duty to comply with the instructions of officers and not to encourage other persons to attack the police,” the release said.

According to the CCU, when approached by a member of the constabulary citizens should always remember to remain calm, show no hostility and listen carefully to everything that is being said, and comply with the instructions.

“… We are also asking witnesses to come forward, particularly those who video -recorded the incident and assist with the investigations,” said the release.

The incident, which quickly started making the rounds on social media, began with an altercation between a policeman and the bus driver, who was stopped by the policeman for his documents to be checked.

After looking at the documents, the policeman asked that the vehicle be put on a wrecker, which led to the dispute.

Another policeman reportedly intervened after his colleague was assaulted and the bus driver shot. Up to press time he was still in hospital undergoing treatment.