The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) says it is working closely with the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape of a patient at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and his subsequent death.

Dead is 24-year-old labourer Michael Edwards of Allamanda Drive, in New Haven, Kingston 10.

In a statement today, SERHA said yesterday morning,the patient forcibly breached medical restraints, reportedly assaulted a member of staff and left the hospital premises.

The incident was reported to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

SERHA further stated that the patient was returned to the hospital by police about an hour later with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The JCF told IRIE FM News, that Edwards was fatally shot during an armed confrontation along West Street at about 5:05 A.M.

SERHA said it is working with the JCF and other relevant authorities to probe the incident thoroughly.

It said all appropriate protocols are being reviewed to establish the facts of the case and to implement additional security measures where necessary.