ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica – A handful of residents are now gathered on the Oxford main road near the community of Speculation in St Elizabeth in protest over the fatal shooting of three men by police on Tuesday.

A strong police presence deterred the placard-bearing residents from mounting roadblocks.

One resident, who asked not to be named, alleges that the men were killed in “cold blood”.

“We want justice. The little youth dem a come a dem yard and dem (police) shoot up the car,” said the resident.

However, the police said the men, who are alleged members of the Speculation Gang, were fatally shot during a confrontation.

They are 19-year-old Najae Smith, a resident of Speculation District, 21-year-old Shamar Brown and 20-year-old Ricardo Salmon both residents of Oxford District.

A police report said about 4:45 pm, the men were intercepted on the Speculation main road during an operation.

The men reportedly opened fire at the police. A shootout ensued.

READ: UPDATE: Three men killed in St Elizabeth shootout identified

Police said two illegal firearms were seized during the incident – a 1.3 Revolver with two rounds and a Beretta .22 with nine rounds.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has since launched a probe into the incident.