WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Westmoreland Police were kept busy on Monday morning as they had to process two crime scenes metres apart.

Gunmen went on a rampage in the parish as they shot and killed a businesswoman in Little London, and robbed a supermarket, leaving an elderly woman nursing gunshot wounds.

Chinese nationals of Little One supermarket in the town were robbed of an undetermined sum of cash. Residents told OBSERVER ONLINE that they had to scamper for cover as the men fired a barrage of shots before escaping.

“It was a crazy sight this morning. I had to run and go flat. The lady that got shot was running not knowing where the shots were being fired,” one resident said.

When OBSERVER ONLINE arrived on the scene, it was like a ghost town as many businesses were shuttered. There was also a heavy military presence in the town.

Meanwhile, businesswoman Lativa Helps was shot and killed by men on motorbikes. The residents then attacked the alleged gunmen.

One of the alleged gunmen died while the other was hospitalised under police guard.

READ: Businesswoman shot dead in Westmoreland, alleged killers mobbed by angry residents

Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, Morland Wilson told OBSERVER ONLINE that the recent spate of robberies and killings is cause for concern.

“Now we have seen where criminals are trying to make combat. I know the police are working and I stand ready as a member of parliament to help support them and stem this mayhem,” Wilson said.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to Helps’ family. She was loved and admired and it’s a loss to the entire community,” he added as he urged the community members to be extra vigilant.

“All well-thinking persons within the community of Westmoreland should continue to be vigilant and work with the police. If you see any strange persons around, contact the police and just take whatever precautions necessary to prevent you from becoming a victim,” Wilson stressed.

– Kimberley Peddie