LITTLE LONDON, Westmoreland-Residents of this normally quiet community are still distraught after rampaging gunmen went on a robbery and shooting spree which claimed the lives of two men in the Top Road section of the area Tuesday night.

The deceased have been identified as 41-year-old businessman Stephen Thompson and 40-year-old labourer Burton Little- both of Top Road, Little London addresses.
Investigators have intensified their probe into the homicides which occurred within half an hour of each other.

According to CCN liaison officer for Westmoreland, Constable Winsome Wright, about 11:00pm on Tuesday,Thompson drove onto his premises and was pounced upon by three heavily armed men as he emerged from his motor vehicle.

He was held at gunpoint by the armed thugs who robbed him of his wallet and cellular phone before shooting him. He died on the spot.

Before escaping in the area on foot, the men allegedly fired a barrage of shots in the air.

The Observer West learnt that while the men were robbing Thompson, a member of his family tried to come to his assistance, but had to beat a hasty retreat after the gunmen opened fire on him.

He still managed to throw some building blocks at his relative's assailants.

Not far away at premises where Little lived with other relatives the robbers removed a pane of louvre blade from a front window and let themselves in.

They demanded money from Little and when their demand was not met they shot him. He later died at hospital while undergoing treatment.

Before the men left they demanded that Little's sister, who was locked inside her room, throw out money. She complied with their orders and threw a bag containing cash and cheques valued over $60,000 outside.

The men then emptied the bag before escaping on foot with it's contents.

Yesterday, scores of grief-stricken residents converged at the businessman's home to console the bereaved family.
His sister Gloria Hamilton was overcome with grief as the tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks.

"Me want me brother! Steve! Steve!," she wailed.
Thompson was described by one of his niece as "very jovial, popular, kind and loving".

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