A group of female 'shottas' from Hanover has residents cowering in fear, THE STAR has learnt.

Checks with residents and the police confirmed reports of the women's daring acts.

They are alleged to be involved in cases of extortion, assault and even a case of robbery. The women are believed to be in their late 20s.

"As far as we have heard, there is a group of about three women who are living like some cowboys," said Detective Corporal Gregory McDyess of the Area One police.

Despite knowing of the 'shottas' and the acts they are alleged to be involved in, the police are yet to receive any formal report. "We have heard of them but nobody who may have come in contact with them has come forward with an actual report," Detective Corporal McDyess added.

Nevertheless, the police say based on what they have heard, the women have been much- talked-about figures for about a month now.

At a party in February, the women are alleged to have given a man a fine beating. The man is said to have owed money to one of them. The money was not forthcoming, despite several promises, so he was beaten and left to nurse a broken hand.

PREYING ON WORK SITES

The notorious women are also said to be preying on at least two work sites in the parish, from which they collect extortion money.

The police theorise that they are yet to receive formal reports as two of the women are rumoured to have strong links with an infamous crew which operates in the parish but is based in neighbouring St James.

Residents are also saying that fear has prevented them from not reporting the situation. "Dem a move hard like how any real gangsta yute woulda move. mi neva see dem yet, still, but word bout dem a spread and people a seh dem have big links, so it look like everybody fraid," said Kevin Bryan, 24, of Blenhiem in the parish.

Meanwhile, the police are urging persons to come forward with any form of information which they might have.