PAULA GORDON, STAR Writer

A land dispute between residents in a section of Gregory Park, St Catherine, resulted in the attempted murder of an elderly woman recently, THE STAR understands.

The 68-year-old woman reported to the police that on May 3 about 8:30 p.m., she returned to her home after visiting a church sister in a nearby community.

It is alleged that when she opened the front door to enter the house which was in complete darkness, someone grabbed her from behind. The person allegedly grabbed her around the neck in an effort to strangle her. A struggle ensued which caused her to bleed from the nose and mouth.

It is also alleged that during the struggle she was able to pull a handkerchief from her attacker's face. Furthermore, she told the police that she recognised the voice of her attacker as that of one of her neighbours.

Further allegations are that the attacker then fled the scene after believing that the woman was dead when she was merely unconscious.

consciousness

About an hour later, she regained consciousness and got assistance from another neighbour who took her to the police station where a report was made. Subsequently, she was taken to a hospital where she was admitted for two days.

When contacted, the St Catherine South police confirmed the incident saying that they are following strong leads to apprehend the suspect.

Meanwhile, THE STAR understands that several unlawful tenants occupy the land in question. However, since a particular family moved there they have allegedly been claiming ownership.