A call is being made for citizens having domestic issues to seek intervention before these matters escalate.

This, after a St. Catherine father is thought to have shot his child and then himself, last night (September 7).

The father died while the wounded child is being treated at hospital.

He has been identified as 45-year-old Cleon Blackwood of Old Harbour.

A firearm was recovered following the incident.

Head of the St. Catherine North Police division, Senior Superintendent Howard Chambers, told Irie FM News that the incident started as a domestic dispute between the man and his spouse.

Noting that there have been several domestic violence incidents in his division recently, SSP Chambers, urged neighbours to speak out when they observe these situations.

SSP Chambers noted that there is a myriad of resources in both the constabulary force and the island’s churches, to assist citizens.

He said the St. Catherine North Police have been conducting sensitization sessions, to educate citizens about domestic violence.