A State of Public Emergency has again been declared for the entire parish of Clarendon.

It follows one declared in August after a mass shooting incident along Cherry Tree Lane in the parish. Eight people including a seven-year-old boy were killed, while nine others were wounded.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister says today’s declaration was sought based on intelligence that found that the ongoing feud between rival gangs in Clarendon has led to a surge in organized armed violence.

It says the declaration will build on operations conducted in August which have led to the arrest and charge of two individuals for the Cherry Tree Lane act of terror.