A strong police-military presence is being maintained in Spanish Town and surrounding communities in St. Catherine.

This following two separate police fatal shooting incidents which resulted in three deaths, a protest by residents as well as the murder of a bus conductor, all within twenty-four hours.

Commanding Officer for the St. Catherine North Police, Superintendent Hopton Nicholson identified the bus conductor as Locksley Brown.

Superintendent Nicholson said Brown had been on the police’s radar for his alleged involvement in extortion and other criminal activities.

He also noted that this morning’s roadblock along the Spanish Town Bypass was mounted by residents upset over the fatal police shooting of two brothers.

Dead are 44-year-old Everton Spike and 33-year-old Jason Spikey.

The Commanding Officer said one of the brothers was an alleged ‘Don’ for the Okra Lane area, which is aligned with the Klansman Gang.

In the meantime, Commissioner of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) Hugh Faulkner said a firearm was reportedly recovered in each of the police fatal shootings.

He said INDECOM continues to urge the participation of citizens in the investigative process.

Meanwhile, IRIE FM News has received reports that commuters in the area are struggling to find transportation to get home.

Information reaching the newsroom is that many students have resorted to travelling in car trunks in a bid to leave the area.

President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services Egeton Newman also urged operators to exercise caution.

Earlier this afternoon, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) announced on its social media that its Spanish Town office was being closed due to the escalating violence in the area.

It said it was concerned for the safety of its staff and customers.