Residents of the west Kingston community of Denham Town are currently living in fear due to ongoing violence stemming from internal gang wars.

Information reaching THE STAR is that from the start of the year, more than 20 people have been killed due to gang-related incidents throughout the Denham Town community.

A resident told THE STAR that the bloody feud, which started last year, began after the community's 'leader' fled the area because he was allegedly being sought after by the police.

According to residents, the area leader took command of Denham Town, shortly after former west Kingston strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke was extradited.

"Since the area leader left the community, there has been a void, so the younger gunmen have ambitions to run Denham Town and Tivoli, and that's starting the feud, daily and nightly there have been attacks on people within the community."

The young men who are carrying out these heinous acts are reportedly between the ages of 18 and 20.

The STAR contacted the commanding officer for western Kingston, Senior Superintendent Ronald Anderson, and he confirmed that there is indeed an internal gang feud occurring within the community.

"Since the start of the year, 29 people have died in west Kingston, 23-24 of those people are from Denham Town alone, since the start of the feud this year, most of these murders are gun and gang related," he stated.

He also told THE STAR that within the last 24 hours (Wednesday to Thursday), there have been two shooting incidents in the community.

"Within the last 24 hours, there was one case of murder and a shooting incident earlier today, where a man was shot at Chestnut Lane. Unconfirmed reports are that a motorcycle with a pillion rider reportedly opened fire along Chestnut Lane."

Year long feud

When THE STAR asked the commanding officer what triggered the almost year-long feud, he responded, "We are making our assessment, but there is no major concern, this is an area that is plagued with rumours, some of these areas are gang dominated, so side one will tell about side two, so it's difficult to get information."

SSP Anderson was quick to add, however, "We basically have things under control."

According SSP Anderson, the community has a 6 p.m. curfew and police have been patrolling the area.

But residents told THE STAR that although they are grateful for the police and their efforts, the curfews have been placing a damper on their earning capabilities.

"Hardly any commerce happening around here, all shops are demanded to be closed by 8 p.m. Before the gang war, at any hour of the night people would be on the street, bars open, hair dressing salon open, shop, everything, now no business, every one is in fear."

The residents are pleading for assistance from their party leaders.

"Now is the most dangerous times that we have encountered because it is internal, fear has gripped the place, you can feel it, you can touch it, this is an Opposition (JLP) stronghold, we need help," the impassioned resident told THE STAR.