KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness has condemned the Clarendon gun attack which left at least eight people dead and nine others injured on Sunday night, calling it reprehensible, brutal and senseless.

While the circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, it is believed to have been caused by an ongoing feud between rival gangs.

READ: Eight killed, several injured in Clarendon gun attack

“I condemn this reprehensible, brutal and senseless attack which resulted in several people in Clarendon being killed. I extend my deepest condolences to all families who are affected by this tragedy,” Holness said.

“I have spoken to the Police High Command and advised that all efforts must be extended to bring the perpetrators to justice, as quickly as possible. The Jamaican State will not countenance such savagery being meted out to our people. We will respond strongly,” he added.

The prime minister has called a meeting of the National Security Council for Monday at 9:00am to discuss the brutal incident.

Holness added that Sunday night’s incident is a reminder that the Government will have to intensify efforts to target criminal gangs in Jamaica, despite the approximately 17 per cent reduction in murders achieved so far this year.

“We will not relent in efforts to reduce criminality and we will not surrender our society to criminals. I wish to assure the nation that my Government will continue to pursue a multi-faceted approach as we support the security forces in the bid to further successfully reduce violent crime,” Holness vowed.

He went to urge anyone with information concerning the gun attack to speak to the police and tell them what they know.