Leighton Levy, Star Writer

An estimated 10 homes in the communities of Ewarton and Linstead, were invaded by gunmen on Monday, leaving residents in the northwest St Catherine communities on edge.

In response, police say they have several men in custody awaiting identification parades in connection with the spate of robberies and in some instances home invasions that have rattled the normally quiet area.

The police confirmed to THE STAR yesterday that suspects have been taken into custody awaiting identification parade. However, they did not disclose when or where the suspects were apprehended or when the identification parade would be done.

They also disclosed that there has been a developing trend in the affected communities. Armed men, THE STAR understands, are invading or burglarising homes in the targeted communities during the daytime when the occupants are at work. Some sources said this trend has been developing over the past two months or so.

In one incident on Monday, armed men invaded a home and remained there for more than two hours, leaving a household helper traumatised. Reports said the men spent the time looking for cash and when they did not find any, took appliances and jewellery instead. They also roughed up the helper.

Residents, angered and scared by the series of events, are reportedly upset with the police. They think the police are not doing enough to catch the persons responsible. One householder said yesterday that he was still waiting on the police to come and take fingerprints. Some say they have not been notified that suspects have been held.