Police cordon off a section of downtown Kingston after one of their colleagues was shot and injured during a shoot-out with gunmen in downtown Kingston yesterday. Three persons, including the two gunmen and a vendor, were shot and killed. Two firearms were recovered. - Norman Grindley

A brazen early morning shoot-out in downtown Kingston yesterday between the police and armed thugs ended with three people dead, two persons injured and two illegal guns recovered.

THE STAR understands the incident reportedly took place about 9 a.m. and sent many people scampering for cover as loud explosions echoed across the usually busy trade area along West Street near the bus park and market areas.

The policeman and the woman who reportedly sustained injuries during the crossfire were treated at hospital.

The extent of their injuries is unknown.

THE STAR was told that the drama unfolded while the police were on an operation in the market area and they came across a group of men acting suspiciously.

Reports are that two men attacked the police who had to be later assisted by a colleague, a shoot-out ensued and both men along with a woman, who was a vendor, were shot and killed.

According to the police, a 9mm Browning pistol loaded with a magazine containing thirteen 9mm rounds and a .38 revolver with one .38 round were seized in the incident.

Our news team gathered that after the shooting subsided a large gathering converged on the scene to get a glimpse of the bodies which laid on the ground.

Efforts by THE STAR to get an update from the Divisional Commander for Central Kingston, Superintendent Steve McGregor, proved futile as calls to his cell phone went unanswered.