The Independent Commission of investigations has started a probe in the fatal shooting of an alleged gunman by the police in Central village, St Catherine, on Saturday night.

Dead is Kevin McCleggon, 32, a labourer of Windsor Heights, Central Village.

Reports reaching The Starare that, about 10 p.m., a police team was on foot patrol in Windsor Heights. It is reported that, upon reaching a section of the community, they accosted a group of gunmen who opened fire on them.

The police said the fire was returned during which McCleggon was hit. He was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Star was informed that an illegal gun was seized by the police in the incident.

Operation officer for the St Catherine South division, Superintendent Clive Blair, said the police have intensified foot patrols in the Central Village area. "We will continue to work in Central Village on foot and mobile, this is to deal with criminal activities," Supt Blair said.

Central Village has been plagued by crimes especially murders over the past month, as a number of persons have been killed in the community. In one incident, three persons were killed in the Big Lane area.

This has prompted members of the Jamaica Defence Force to join the police and do regular patrols in the community.

- R.T