There is a call for police presence to be ramped up in Whitfield Town, St. Andrew.

This following a surge in violence and several suspected arson attacks in the community last week.

As a result, some 40 people including children, have been left homeless.

One resident explains that the impact of the fires has been devastating.

Meantime, Member of Parliament (MP) for south west St. Andrew, Dr. Angela Brown Burke says there is tension among residents, some of whom have been left homeless.

She says a school in the community has been closed due to the surge in violence.

The MP who visited the area at the weekend, wants the police to be more active in the community.

She is urging residents to stay safe and share information with the police where possible.