By Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

The blood-spattered interior of the police service car in which three constables were shot and injured in Salt Spring, St. James, when gunmen ambushed them and sprayed the vehicle with bullets, early yesterday morning. - Noel Thompson

Three police constables were shot by gunmen while on duty on Sunday morning.

According to reports from the Constabulary Communications Network, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the men, who are attached to the Motorised Patrol Division in Montego Bay, St. James, were patrolling along the Salt Spring main road when they were bombarded with gunshots from gunmen.

Two of the officers were admitted to hospital in serious condition, while the third was treated and released.

Commissioner of Police, Lucius Thomas, said, in a written statement, that an incident like this points to the dangers police officers face every day.

"The Salt Spring assault is a blatant and bare-faced attack on the police force, but the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) will not cower in the face of attacks like these. On the contrary, attacks like these only serve to strengthen our resolve to continue to pursue criminals wherever they are to be found," Commissioner Thomas said.

He added that the condition of the constables is being monitored and he hopes they recover soon.

Citizens are encouraged to contact the police through Crime Stop at 311, Operation King Fish at 811 and 119 with any information.