A family of six is now homeless after gunmen robbed them and burnt down their house in Bucks Common, Clarendon, yesterday morning.

Constable Camay Watson, Constabulary Communication Network liaison officer for Clarendon, said the incident occurred around 12:15 a.m.

Police reports are that four men armed with guns went to the the four-apartment house in the community, where they kicked in the door of the concrete, zinc and board structure. The gunmen then proceeded to rob the only adult at the house of her cellphone.

Taken outside

She and her five grandchildren were then taken outside and told to lie down, which they did. The gunmen then went back into the house where they took additional items and then escaped into nearby bushes.

After the gunmen left, loud explosions were heard and it was discovered that the house was on fire.

The house and its contents were destroyed and damage is estimated at $300,000. The May Pen police, who are investigating, suspect that the gunmen set the house ablaze before they escaped. Constable Watson also told THE STAR that they were unable to confirm reports that three girls at the house were raped as the police did not receive such a report.