Soufriere residents are now fearful after a series of gunshots rang out in their neighborhood last night.
It has been confirmed that the gunshots were part of a shootout between police and gunmen in the area.
A senior police officer from the Soufriere Police Station, who did not provide a full name, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the station received a call at about 10:30 p.m. about a disturbance on the River Side Road and responded within minutes.
On arrival, the police met a group of men who were armed with guns. It was reported that the policemen attempted to execute their duties, but were barred from doing so. This allegedly resulted in an exchange of gunshots between the police and the men.
It is unclear whether anyone was arrested in connection with the shooting.
The police inspector said he cannot provide any more details relating to the incident.
A Soufriere resident said the shots woke her up.
“I thought I was dreaming,” she told SNO. “But some people confirmed. It transpired near the basketball court, Boulevard Street, Soufriere.”
The resident said “word is that the police fired the shots”.