KINGSTON, Jamaica— Despite repeated warnings from police against the dangerous and unlawful practice, two teenage girls are nursing gunshot wounds believed to be the result of illegal gun salutes.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in one of the incidents, about 12:02 am on Thursday, a 13-year-old Canadian visitor was standing on a balcony at a residence along Dreamland Drive in Portmore, St Catherine, observing New Year’s fireworks celebrations, when she was  struck by bullets.

Moments after midnight, loud explosions were heard, after which the teen felt sharp pains to her thigh and back. She was assisted to hospital, where she has been admitted in stable condition, the police said.

In a similar incident, a 14-year-old girl from Bond Street in Kingston was injured at approximately 12:02 am while sitting beneath a tree in her community. The teen reported  feeling a burning sensation to her shoulder, after which it was discovered that she had been shot.  She was also taken to hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Police are condemning the incidents, describing the alleged gun salutes as reckless and irresponsible, and are “once again emphasising that gun salutes are illegal, extremely dangerous, and pose a serious threat to innocent lives.”

Investigations into both shootings are ongoing as lawmen work to determine the origin of the gunfire and identify those responsible, the police said.

The JCF is urging anyone with information that may assist these investigations to come forward.

Persons may contact Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, the Police Emergency number at 119, or make a report to the nearest police station.