WESTERN BUREAU:

A 16-year-old schoolgirl was injured by gunmen in Bottom Pen, Glendevon yesterday as violence continues to affect sections of Montego Bay.

The police say the Irwin High School student was attacked about 7:30 a.m. by two armed men while on her way to school. She was reportedly grazed on the neck by one of the bullets.

The communities of Glendevon and neighbouring Salt Spring have been plagued by gun violence since last week Wednesday, which has resulted in the death of six men. Four others were also injured.

Police patrols

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Jasmine Tomlinson-Brown, the acting Head of the Area One Police Division says more police patrols are now being conducted in the affected communities.

"We will be maintaining high visibility; mobile and on foot," she said.

On Tuesday, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) temporarily closed the Salt Spring Health Centre, as a result of the continued violence in the community.

The Authority said the upsurge in crime had put the staff at risk.

"As soon as the health services can be assured by the security forces that the community is safe, the situation will be reviewed with a view to reopen the health centre and resume service," said a spokesperson from the WRHA.

At the same time, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields, is insisting that the current level of crime will not be tolerated.

"I am extremely disappointed that the gunmen seem to be getting the upper hand," said DCP Sheilds who is the officer in charge of crime.

"We are not going to tolerate this kind of behaviour in Salt Spring and I am determined to work with the local police to get the situation under control. But we have to get the support of the community and that means building the trust and confidence of the citizens," he said.

He added: "If the people of Salt Spring want to meet with me they can. I am extending an open invitation to them."