The police had to rush to a Portmore, St Catherine, high school last Friday in the midst of a brawl which reportedly included a large number of students and men from a community located close to the institution.

Reports received by THE STAR indicate that a number of men from a nearby community had gone on to the school compound where they met with a group of fifth-form students.

It is said that an altercation developed between the outsiders and a female student who is also in fifth form.

A number of heated words were reportedly exchanged and the schoolgirl was subsequently slapped across the face. She reportedly left, but soon returned with her boyfriend, a popular fifth former, who is also a member of the school's senior football team.

Another verbal altercation was said to be sparked followed by a huge brawl which saw fists and rock stones being thrown all over the school campus.

Further reports are that the situation became even more dangerous when other students eventually got involved, some defending their schoolmates as the others unexpectedly chose to defend the outsiders.

evil spirit

"One piece a fighting gwaan ova yah last week. Di amount a fight bruk out inna di short space a time, yu wouldn't believe. Fighting did a gwaan all round di school, like a some evil spirit pass through and touch di place," a vendor who plies her wares close to the school's entrance told THE STAR on the weekend.

It was said that the students who decided not to defend their fellow schoolmates are residents of adjoining and nearby communities.

"Some of students were picking up for the men because of where they live. Some of the students who were involved in the incident are from areas close to the school and they know the men so they defended them," Karriea 15-year-old student explained.

The student who also lives close to the school further added, "It was a disgrace, the school had to be dismissed early, and students got injured".

The Portmore police said at least four students were injured and had to seek medical attention.

Meanwhile, the school principal confirmed there was an incident but declined to shed much light, noting the institution was already carrying out a thorough investigation in conjunction with the police.

"There isn't much to be said right now but we are conducting an investigation into an incident that took place on Friday. We are trying to pinpoint those involved so we can know what happened exactly," the principal explained.