A reserve soldier had to flee naked from a group of gunmen who stole the clothes he was wearing and shot him on Saturday.

The incident took place near Treadways district, St Catherine.

Reports reaching THE STAR are that about 10:30 p.m., the man, who is a member of the national reserve, was sitting in his vehicle along with another man when the gunmen reportedly approached him.

Reports from the Linstead police are that the gunmen held the men at gunpoint and made their demands.

"They were ordered to take their clothes off and run. The army personnel beat a hasty retreat into the nearby community," a resident told THE STAR. It is reported that while fleeing the soldier was shot in the head.

A police party which was hot on the trail of the gunmen assisted the soldier. He was taken to seek medical attention and was admitted in serious condition.

gone missing

After the incident the police reportedly searched the vehicle which was still parked at the location and a licensed Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol along with 50 rounds, a box of grocery and their clothing were said to have gone missing.

Meanwhile, the police say they are intensifying the search for a group of men who are moving on foot throughout various communities committing crime.

In recent times, the group of criminals have robbed, raped, shot and assaulted several residents.