Andre Williams, STAR Writer

The prisoner killed during the melee at the Mandeville police lock-up on Wednesday was the main suspect behind last Friday's gun attack on a Clarendon family, which left a five-year-old permanently paralysed.

The prisoner, Trimaine Clair, 28, of Ritchies, Clarendon, was being held at the lock-up since being arrested in Spaldings, Clarendon, last weekend.

Head of the Manchester police, Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, said the police were about to charge Clair for the Clarendon gun attack. "I am told that they were in the process of charging him based on the statements gathered, that is why he was picked up initially," Supt Nesbeth confirmed.

About 8 p.m. last Friday, gunmen entered a house in York Town, Clarendon, and robbed the occupants of a cell phone and other items before setting the structure ablaze. Occupants, including a five-year-old, attempted to escape and were shot several times. Three other persons, including the child's mother, were also hospitalised in stable condition following the attack.

On Wednesday, a woman sergeant, two other police officers, and Clair were rushed to the hospital after the fracas at the lock-up. Clair was pronounced dead, and a policeman admitted in serious condition. The police have not said what caused the riot.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has reportedly launched an investigation and are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact its offices at 968-8875 or 878-0167.