ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Despite an increased police presence, gunmen struck on March Pen Road in Spanish Town, St Catherine on Christmas Day leaving two people dead.

The deceased have been identified as 30-year-old bar operator Shaniel Myers and 28-year-old Shamar Hall, both of March Pen Road addresses.

Reports reaching Observer Online say that shortly after 6:00 pm, Myers and Hall were among a group of people at a premises on March Road when several armed men entered the area and opened fire.

Hall reportedly collapsed at the scene, while Myers ran to a churchyard where she fell.  They were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Unconfirmed reports are that hours later, police on patrol intercepted a group of armed men who engaged them in a shootout. One of the men was reportedly fatally shot by the police.

He has not yet been identified.

March Pen Road has been tense since the fatal shooting of an alleged area leader earlier this year.

Since then, there have been several incidents with at least three people murdered by gang rival factions.

(Video: Wesley Burger)