A 4-year-old child and two men died following an alleged confrontation between gunmen and police in Granville St. James this morning.

The names of the deceased have not been released.

According to lawmen a high-powered rifle was also seized during the confrontation which occurred in the Brown’s Lane area at around 12:05 a.m.

In a release this morning, the police say security forces acted on intelligence and reports of illegal gun salutes despite repeated public warnings against the practice in the community.

Preliminary reports indicate that individuals gathered in the community and were in possession of prohibited firearms, allegedly with the intention of conducting illegal gun salutes.

Police say on their arrival, the security forces came under gunfire from armed individuals in the area.

Lawmen say they took evasive action and returned fire in keeping with their training and the prevailing threat.

It’s reported that when the situation was brought under control, two male individuals were found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

They were later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Police say during this incident, a 4-year-old child sustained gunshot wounds and later succumbed while receiving medical treatment.

It’s reported that a 68-year-old woman was also wounded and treated.

The police extended sincere condolences to the family of the child and expressed deep regret at the loss of this young life, as well as concern for all civilians affected.

It said investigations are ongoing, including investigations by the relevant oversight bodies, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are being thoroughly examined.

According to the police in the lead-up to the new year, repeated public advisories were issued warning against the use of illegal firearms and the practice of celebratory gunfire.

The constabulary force said these warnings highlighted the grave danger such actions pose to innocent lives, particularly children and other vulnerable persons.

The JCF reiterates its appeal to members of the public to reject gun salutes and to cooperate with law enforcement by providing information on illegal firearms and criminal activity.

The police say a strong and visible police presence has been maintained in the wider Granville area to preserve public order, reassure residents, and prevent any further escalation.