Residents of Text Lane in Kingston are calling for members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to be deployed to the community to ensure peace and safety.

The appeal follows a mass shooting in the area last evening.

Police say, at about 8: 45 PM, several persons were sitting at a premises in the area, when a motorcar approached them.

The occupants of the vehicle, reportedly opened gunfire at the group before driving away.

Six people, including three children, were shot and wounded.

One resident believes that if soldiers were in the area the shooting would not have taken place.

Another resident stressed that the presence of security forces will deter criminals.

The Kingston Central Police have pledged to increase their presence in the area, to ensure residents’ safety.