Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Firemen from Rollington Town Fire Station attempt to put out what is left of a fire which destroyed three houses along Lower York Street in Franklin Town. The houses were destroyed after they were firebombed about 4:00 yesterday morning. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A COORDINATED attack by several heavily armed gunmen who firebombed three tenement homes on Lower York Street, east Kingston, has left more than 25 families homeless.
Reports are that the gunmen who came from different sections of the community, began shooting indiscriminately at several homes, forcing residents to scamper for cover. The gunmen would later throw Molotov cocktail bombs in the homes.
"This happened about some minutes to 5:00 a.m.," said 25-year-old Akeilla Miller, whose two young daughters are unable to go to school today. "All the back-to-school shopping that I did for my children burnt up. The only things saved was the night clothes they had on at the time," added Ms. Miller.
STOLEN FURNITURE
She was one of several parents heard complaining
that their children would not be able to resume school today, because of the
losses sustained. The residents also charged that gunmen invaded some of the
houses and stole furniture, including a number of electrical appliances.
Lawrence Foreman, one of the tenants of 1c Lower York Street, said he lost everything. He was not at home during the invasion but said when he returned he was shocked to see that his house had been looted.
Head of the Kingston East Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Doric Sinclair, attribute the firebombing to the ongoing gang feud in the McIntrye Villa/Black Street area of the community.
INCREASED VIGILANCE
"We will be stepping up our activities in the area," DSP Sinclair noted.
The community has been under siege by gunmen since last March. There had been several attempts to end the bloodletting in the area but to no avail. Several months ago a command post was set up at the community centre, but the soldiers have since been recalled.
Since their departure in July at least eight persons have been killed. Three of the victims were killed in a triple murder on August 8, in Newton Square, which is about two blocks from where the houses were fire-bombed yesterday.
