Manchester cops intensify focus on crime after recent robbery attempt

The Manchester police have launched a series of operations and spot checks to prevent migrant criminals from entering the parish, this after a recent robbery attempt and dramatic standoff by gunmen in Spaldings that is on the border of Clarendon and Manchester.

Four men from Clarendon were arrested, and four firearms were seized during the dramatic incident earlier this month, which also featured the hoodlums going live on social media site TikTok, begging the police for their lives after being cornered.

The men have all since been charged with a slew of offences relative to the incident.

Head of the Manchester police, Deputy Superintendent Carey Duncan, in an interview with reporters last week, said the police are targeting hotspots within the division, especially in Porus, where a double murder occurred earlier this month.

"So what you're seeing here is an operation primarily in the Porus space, and it is aimed at just re-assuring the persons within the space, because in recent times, they have been having some flare-up in this space, and persons are indeed concerned," he indicated.

Despite concerns from some quarters about commerce being affected, Duncan said the police will be conducting curfews within the space to ensure the safety and security of residents.

"Going into the Christmas season, I know that there is a concern about commerce and other activities within the space," Duncan said.

"We have to take a broader look at safety and security. We have applied for and been granted to conduct curfews within this space," he added.

On December 3, 27-year-old Sashagaye Chambers and a man known only as 'Stevie' were shot and killed at a bar in Porus. Another man was shot and injured outside the bar.

A suspect, identified by his alias 'Bagalas', was fatally shot in the adjoining community of Ramble after engaging the police in a running gun battle on a motorcycle, law enforcers stated at the time.

The driver of the motorcycle on which 'Bagalas' was a pillion, fled the scene.

Shortly after the fatal shooting of that gunman, the Manchester police were informed of a threat which was made against officers stationed at the Porus Police Station.

Duncan said the threat is being taken seriously, adding that "We have been looking for the person who made that video".

Meanwhile, Duncan urged residents to partner with the police to ensure their safety.

"We are looking for some persons within this space who we believe are influencing the violence within the space.

"Some (of these persons), we understand, are still here, and some have migrated from the space. So I just want to take this opportunity to reach out to the good citizens of the greater Porus area to just partner with us," Duncan appealed.