Patrons at the Island Explosion stage show in Clarendon had an unpleasant surprise on Christmas morning at about 5:10 as the show was about to get into its peak performances.

The show which was being staged at the Country Club in May Pen, came to a premature end as a joint police/military team invaded the venue while Clarendon artiste Assailant was in his act onstage. The officers went onstage and arrested the artiste for using profane language and he was escorted from the venue and later released.

photographer assualted

While the artiste was being escorted from the stage THE STAR's photographer, who was taking pictures at the event, was assaulted by one of the police officers and his camera damaged.

The police and military personnel were conducting a search for guns and other ammunition and the thousands of patrons in the venue were forced to wait for over five hours until the security forces had conducted their search.

All three exits to the venue were sealed off and heavily armed soldiers surrounded the venue as patrons along with their vehicles were searched as they left the venue.

No weapons were found, however several persons were taken to the May Pen Police Station, processed, and released.

Up to the point of the invasion by the joint team the stage show was going on quite well as patrons were having a great time after being entertained by the likes of Ken Boothe, George Nooks, Coco Tea, Wayne Wonder, Daville, Chris Martin, Shaggy, Etana, Queen Ifrica, Captain Barkey and Wicker Man and the 'Fireman' Capleton.

The most anticipated artistes such as Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, Elephant Man and Beenie Man did not get the chance to perform.

Patrons at the show told THE STAR that they believe "this is a plan thing fi mash up de promoter show because the show a gwaan peaceful and people a enjoy themselves". They added "bet dem nuh go mash up sting".