CLARENDON, Jamaica — Police have established a perimeter as they search for suspects, including gunmen believed to be injured, following a shootout in Spalding, Clarendon, on Sunday that also left a policeman wounded.

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident occurred shortly before 2:00 pm. when police responded to an armed robbery at a supermarket in Spalding. Upon arrival, the officers were allegedly fired upon by a group of gunmen, resulting in a shootout.

An AK-47 rifle was recovered at the scene, according to the police. Firefighters have been called in to assist in gaining access to a building where the gunmen are believed to have barricaded themselves. While it remains unclear whether the suspects are holding hostages, the police have assured that all necessary precautions are being taken.

The Jamaica Defence Force has also been deployed to support the police operation.

A crowd has since gathered in Spalding Square as the situation unfolds.

— Kasey Williams