Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer

The police are searching for a gunman who raped a woman in Bog Walk, St Catherine, last Thursday.

Reports reaching The Star are that about 11 p.m., the woman was walking home when she was pounced on by a man armed with a gun. The man held her at gunpoint, dragged her into nearby bushes and raped her.

After the ordeal, the distraught woman reported the matter to the St Catherine North police.

A number of persons told The Star that rapists are increasing their attacks in Bog Walk and surrounding areas, with several cases in recent times.

Among the victims, The Star learnt, was a 75-year-old woman, who was held up and raped after a 25-year-old man kicked down her door.

"Dem bwoy nah romp fi rape wi off as that lady was raped before and di man deh a prison and seet deh, smaddy else charged fi rape har again," a woman told The Star.

In one incident, the suspect was the neighbour of the victim. "Him cover up himself and it was after dem beat him di mask drop off. So right now, you can hardly trust anyone," another resident said.

Meanwhile, the residents are asking for increased vigilance. Investigators told The Star a plan is being devised to tackle the crime problem, especially during the festive season.