Western Bureau:

Ace crime fighter in western Jamaica Corporal Clive 'Karate Georgie' Lawrence was injured during a police shoot-out with an armed gunman in Westmoreland yesterday morning.

Lawrence, who received flesh wounds to his chest and one of his hands, was treated for his injuries and is recovering.

In a separate incident, four men were shot and killed by the police yesterday in Westmoreland following an intense shoot-out.

The four, who were yet to be identified last night, were reportedly involved in a robbery spree in the Negril area, where some tourists were allegedly robbed, when the police intervened.

Thugs vs police

The incident occurred approximately 1 a.m. when the police were summoned about a robbery. On the arrival of the lawmen, the armed thugs engaged the police in what was believed to be an hour-long shoot-out.

It was further revealed that, after the gun battle subsided, all four men were nursing gunshot wounds. They were taken to the Savanna-la-Mar hospital where they were pronounced dead. Three guns were recovered after the incident, an AK 47 rifle, .357 magnum and a home-made handgun.

Meanwhile, 60-year-old security officer Alvin McIntosh was murdered on William Street, Montego Bay on Sunday afternoon.

McIntosh, who was employed to Protective Services Limited, was stationed at the Ken Wholesale at the time of his death. According to a police report about 12 p.m., McIntosh was approached by two armed men who ordered him outside the supermarket and laid him face down where they shot him and robbed him of his licensed firearm.

The police have issued an appeal to residents who have information on this gruesome murder to come forward and assist them in solving the crime.