Three young boys from the rural community of New Pera in St. Thomas barely escaped being beaten to death on Friday after residents claimed that they caught them having sex with each other in an abandoned house.

The minors, all under 11 years, were reportedly caught in the nude by residents who had been told of the youths' escapade by a little girl. Although all three boys attempted to run from the mob, one of the youngsters was held and beaten.

A Rastafarian resident was overheard saying, "Dem ting yah can't guan unda my regime, dem likkle buay yah a satan."

It was only after the intervention of a teacher in the community that the boy was released. The physical assault to the boy was obvious as he showed several signs of bruises.

The teacher, who did not want to be identified, told The STAR, "these are troubling signs and our community must be more sensitive to situations like this. While it is not something to be condoned, we as adults need to exercise more tolerance especially with children, who may be just experimenting."

ONE MISSING?

The parents of one of the boys who escaped says that since the incident they have no idea where their son is, and they are worried about his welfare.

The STAR learnt that one of the other youngsters who was celebrating his birthday on the day of the incident, was sent to stay with relatives in another parish, while the third child has left the area on his own accord.

When contacted, the Golden Grove police said they had no knowledge of the incident, and could not comment formally. They said however, that based on the assault on one of the youths, they were prepared to investigate the allegations on that premise.

The guardian of the child who was beaten says that she was surprised at her nephew's involvement, but had a word of caution for adults who inflicted injuries to him. "A only hope we neva have to do the same to any of them who beat di likkle buay," she warned.