News

'Is di police bun down the house' ... say Grant's Pen residents

This man, who gave his name as Flames, turns a hose on the burnt out home at 18 Shortwood Lane, Grant's Pen. Residents allege the home was set on fire by the police. - Rudolph Brown

A HOUSE WAS razed and guns planted on two men by the police, allege residents of Shortwood Lane in Grant's Pen, St. Andrew, yesterday.

"Mi want to see it inna the paper and mi want to see it pon di T.V. news. Is di police come in here and bun down the man house. Dem never have no right to do that," said one irate female resident.

The house, one of two at 18 Shortwood Lane, belongs to Michael Thompson. However, he was not and has not been at the home for the past three weeks as he is serving a six month sentence for attempted robbery. Residents said since his absence nobody troubled his property.

Residents allege that sometime after 12:30 p.m. a contingent of policemen descended on the yard and accosted two young men.

The residents say the men were taken to the rear of Thompson's house by some policemen but were followed by curious residents who peeped from around the house and watched them.

In the meantime, the house was being searched by other members of the police party.

Residents claim that some time after, the men were taken towards the police vehicles after policemen claimed they found firearms on them. They were then handcuffed and taken away. Shortly after the police party left, flames were seen coming from Thompson's house.

"Nobody was round dere. Is di police light di man house and plant gun pon di two guys dem. They had no guns, is police put gun pon dem," said another resident.

When the Constant Spring Police station was contacted they referred THE WEEKEND STAR to the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN). However, CCN said they were not releasing a report on the matter until they received all the information from the police.