No retreat! Police to pursue criminals

THE POLICE High Command has reacted strongly to what it describes as two particularly barbaric incidents perpetrated by criminals in St Catherine and St Andrew over the past 24 hours.

At the same time, investigators have released the names of persons of interest in relation to one of the incidents: the murder of five persons in Portsmouth in Portmore, St Catherine.

Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington said the incidents represent a clear statement of intent by criminal elements that they are willing to test the resolve, determination, and capabilities of the police in maintaining law and order.

"I am issuing a warning to these criminals that their attempts to unsettle the police in the conduct of their lawful duties will be met with stern resistance," declared Ellington in a statement late yesterday.

"I have directed my men and women to relentlessly pursue these and other criminals knowing that they have my full support," he said. "These criminals represent a threat to law and order in the society and they must not be given the opportunity to kill again. They will be brought to justice."

He urged the men under his command to exploit all intelligence bulletins and gang conflict assessments, which are regularly disseminated by the National Intelligence Bureau, with utmost priority in order to disrupt and prevent further violent criminal actions.

The St Catherine South Police Division has expressed an interest in a man known only as 'Don Topping'.

The investigators say Don Topping must report to police personnel at the '100 Man' Police Station in Portmore by today.