Andre' Williams, STAR Writer

Two female students from Morant Bay High School were taken into police custody last night following the killing of a vendor in Seaforth, St Thomas. THE WEEKEND STAR understands that the girls, aged 14 and 16, were detained shortly after the incident, which took place at the home of the now deceased.

According to the Morant Bay police, 29-year-old Phillip Bell, a higgler of Locksmith Lane, Seaforth, was chopped in his neck and died as a result of the injury.

Up to press time last night the circumstances leading to Bell's killing were not clear as the police say their investigation is ongoing. the girls were also being questioned up to late last night.

Deputy Superintendent Charmaine Shand of the St Thomas police, last night confirmed the homicide and told our news team that the teens were in the custody.

DSP Shand said: "The students were taken into custody based on what happened... the interrogation process has began and more information will be made available as soon as possible. At this point we know the incident took place at the home of the deceased".

She continued: "The deceased was chopped, said to be inflicted with the use of a machete... I am not sure if it was to the back of the neck or front".

THE WEEKEND STAR was told that the girls were being questioned in the presence of the schools guidance counsellor, a ministry of education representative and lawyers.