ST JAMES, Jamaica — The police are reporting that two men were killed in St James in two separate incidents yesterday, hours before Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a state of public emergency in that parish as well as Hanover and Westmoreland.

In the first incident, lawmen assigned to the Barnett Street Police Station have commenced a probe into the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of 30-year-old Christopher Reid, otherwise called ‘Bigga’ of Barrett Lane.

Reports are that about 1:30 am, Reid was among a group of patrons at a shop in his community when he was approached by a group of armed men who opened gunfire hitting him several times.

The police were summoned and he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The police said no one else was injured in the incident.

In the second incident, the body of an unidentified man was found on McCatty Street in Montego Bay.

He is believed to be about 60-years-old, of dark complexion, slim build, about 5 feet 10 inches long with a long grey beard. The body was clad in black tam, striped T-shirt, black sweater, blue jeans and a pair of brown shoes.

The Barnett Street police reported that residents heard explosions about 3:41am, and summoned them.

On their arrival, the body was found with gunshot wounds. It was taken to hospital where death was confirmed.

The Barnett Street police are now asking anyone who can identify the body or help in its investigation to contact them at 876-952-2333, police 119 emergency number, Crime Stop 311, 811 or the nearest police station.