A clash between alleged homosexuals and other persons out to enjoy 'Carnival Sunday', threatened to mar yesterday's Bacchanal Jamaica road march.

Persons who said they saw the incident unfold, say the men, about six in total with women also in the entourage, seemed ready for any potential confrontation as they walked up Constant Spring Road to meet the parade near West Kings House Road.

"Yuh shoulda hear dem. One say 'anybody tackle wi today get mash up'," said George, one alleged witness. It is reported the men parked their vehicles inside a popular plaza before proceeding to the parade. Their attire was described as 'very colourful'.

"One a dem hair all longa than mine," said one woman. "And him inna fishnet stockings. All black g-string."

dancing provocatively

Having joined the parade, the men were reportedly dancing provocatively, one even doing his moves on his 'head top'. The sight appeared to be too much for the other revellers to take, and the men were rebuked.

Before long, the verbal back-and-forth became physical and the men were stoned by the unsympathetic crowd. But although in retreat mode, the offending group proceeded to 'return fire', hurling various objects, including stones, to defend themselves. The raunchy revellers were determined not to be intimidated.

"One a dem come out wid acid," said another witness Marvin, who said the men were aided in their stance by the women. "Di women dem a boost dem up too. One a dem a talk bout 'show dem wha you can do yes'," he said.

It is alleged a woman was hit in the face by an object near King's Plaza. At least two other persons are said to have received injuries.

Police personnel were quickly on the scene trying to maintain calm but the epicentre of the confrontation was still to come near Springs Plaza, where one of the men was held and beaten by members of a crowd who had chased them down Constant Spring Road.

"Him did blood up man. Mi swear dem kill him," said George, who revealed he was able to break free. But the continuing salvos from both groups then threatened to damage property, as store workers and those who wanted to watch the parade were now caught in the middle. George said his Honda motorcar was one of several vehicles parked in the plaza that were within inches of being hit in the 'crossfire'.

"Me deh pon di corner and couldn't even move go a my car. Mi start fret," he said. Luckily no vehicles were damaged. The crowd then chased the men through the plaza and out onto Eastwood Park Road where they finally eluded the chasing mob, who called off their pursuit.

"Hey, a nuff people come back and say 'dem bwoy deh can run fast enuh," Marvin laughed.

The Half-Way Tree police confirmed the station had received a call about the incident and members were sent to help quell the disturbance. But they could not confirm if anyone had been injured. Indications are the incident did not stop or greatly hinder the flow of the parade.

names changed on request