A man who was allegedly involved in the theft of a motor car was fatally shot by police in South Hampton, St. Elizabeth earlier this morning.

Dead is Mark Allen of Schoolfield district.

Reports are that at about 3:20 am lawmen were informed about the theft of a Toyota Voxy motor vehicle and a shooting incident in upper Portsea.

Head of the St. Elizabeth Police Superintendent Coleridge Minto said officers responded and pursued the suspects who were travelling in 2 separate cars.

Upon reaching the South Hampton area, gunmen travelling in the stolen vehicle reportedly opened fire at  the police.

Superintendent Minto said the officers returned fire and Allen was hit.

The commanding officer said the police are searching for the other suspects.