What should have been an easy robbery for three alleged robbers turned into a *lo**y affair after one was shot and injured by a policeman dressed in plain clothes.

The Westmoreland police reported that at about 2:00 p.m., the police officer was walking along Seaton Crescent while talking on his cellular phone. It is further reported that three men, one armed with a gun and another with a knife approached the officer and grabbed his phone before attempting to search his pockets.

The officer then reportedly pulled his service pistol and fired at the men.

The man who had the knife, was reportedly shot and injured before being taken to hospital where he was admitted under police guard. The other man with the gun managed to make an escape. Other police officers were reportedly quick to reach the scene and managed to catch the third man.

The names of the apprehended men are being withheld pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, THE STAR has learnt that attempts such as this is one of many which has recently plagued that section of the parish.

"Since wah day ya di tiefin bway dem a get nuff, yuh see, a whole heap a people dem rob inna da area, deh eno. Dat suppose to teach dem a lesson," one resident of Savanna-La-Mar said.

The Savanna-La-Mar police, who are investigating, said they will be increasing their patrols in the area to ensure the safety of the residents, especially the pedestrians.