Dwight Nelson, Star Writer

The killing of two persons and the injuring of several others since Thursday has left the community Effortville, Clarendon, in a tense mood.

On Thursday night about 8:30, labourer Michael 'Malcolm' Thomas, 44, of Effortville, was shot by gunmen. Police say Thomas had just arrived home with a female companion, shortly after which explosions were heard. His bullet riddled body was found at the back of the house.

On Saturday, gunmen went on a rampage in a section of Effortville, known as Buzz Rock, shooting five members of a family, including a 43-year-old mother and her four children ages six, 10, 11 and 14. The 14-year-old Eshmeal Wellington later succumbed to his injuries.

CCN liaison officer for Clarendon, Constable Camay Watson, said: "About 12:05 a.m. men dressed like police went to the house and kicked open the door and sprayed bullets in the house."

A 32-year-old higgler was shot in the community five minutes later while talking to a friend in his yard. Police say the men were talking when two gunmen walked up and opened fire hitting the higgler. He was admitted to hospital in a critical condition. The other person escaped unhurt.

The May Pen police have not established a motive for the shooting incidents. Residents were tight-lipped when questioned but one told THE STAR that the members of the family may have been shot as the gunmen were searching for one of their relatives.

"Right now de whole community a live in a fear because dem nah go stop de shooting because if dem nuh catch de man dem want dem a go kill out de family," the resident said.