A sub-machine gun was taken from the alleged abductor. He has since been admitted to hospital, police say.

The alleged abductor, Kevin Robinson, 30, a tiler from Arnold Road, Kingston 4, has since been charged with abduction, assault at common law and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Efforts to speak with the woman yesterday were futile as she declined to comment on the incident.

Police told THE STAR that shortly before 10 p.m., a couple was at the National Heroes Park when they were approached by a man armed with a gun. The gunman ordered the man to leave, held on to the woman and left with her to another section of the park.

Going to ground

It is understood that the police were alerted and went in search of the gunman. On the approach of the police, the man laid on the ground and forced the woman to do the same.

As the lawmen drew closer, he jumped to his feet and aimed the gun at them.

They took evasive action and opened fire hitting him. The woman was not hurt.

An M1 Enforcer sub-machine gun, with two rounds of .380 cartridges in the magazine, was taken from him. He was taken to hospital where he was admitted in serious condition.