The shooting of a 22-year-old man yesterday has plunged a rural St Catherine into mourning.

Sean Sewell, 22, otherwise called 'Dangles', of Cashew Walk district, St Catherine, was shot dead about 12:30 p.m. a few hours after escaping death.

Police reports are that Sewell was attacked and shot multiple times by gunmen as he walked in the community. He died on the spot. The men escaped on foot.

Residents say Sewell was shot at the night before but managed to escape from his attacker.

It was revealed he was going to a shop in the community when he was attacked and shot.

"Lawd Jesus Christ, we can't take this type of attack upon the community which used to be so peaceful," Natalie Henderson, a bystander said.

Meanwhile, the St Catherine Major Investigation Task Force who is probing the matter is yet to determine a reason for the shooting.