The St Catherine North police are still maintaining a strong presence in Spanish Town due to yesterday's fierce gun battle between members of a police patrol and gunmen from the Clansman gang.

THE WEEKEND STAR understands that the shoot-out took place in the Rivoli, Ravensworth areas of Spanish Town and sections of the Rio Cobre also near to Spanish Town.

Clansman gunmen reportedly ran on to the St Jago High School compound in an attempt elude the cops.

It is reported that students and staff of the school had to be escorted off the compound by police personnel.

According to the police, reports of students being taken as hostages are totally unfounded.

THE WEEKEND STAR also understands that the shooting caused the nearby Spanish Resident Magistrate's Court to cut its roster and hurriedly rescheduled cases.

Also, several business places had to close for the day due to the gun battle.

"My workplace have to lock up early as the boss fraid a gunshot," a resident told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Several commuters were also left stranded, as several bus and taxi operators withdrew their services.