ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — An ongoing gun battle in Sligoville, St Catherine, has left several cops injured and at least one lawman killed, according to reports reaching Observer Online.

The Observer understands that the incident began about 5:15 am on Friday when a team from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Special Operations unit was conducting an operation in the Five Miles area of Sligoville in search of wanted men.

The cops were reportedly clearing a building on a premises when they came under gunfire from two men who had barricaded themselves inside the house among other occupants.

During the exchange, a young girl who was inside the building reportedly sustained gunshot injuries. It is understood that she managed to escape from the house and was taken to hospital by a police team.

Sources described her condition as serious but stable.

Members of the JCF’s SWAT Team, Area 5 Area Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other police personnel are on the scene as the operation continues.

More information to come.

— Llewellyn Wynter