The police are now concerned about an illegal cable operation in Gold Spring, Westmoreland, that has led to several *lo**y clashes between thugs wanting to collect the profits from its operation.

THE STAR has learnt that for the past three weeks there have been frequent clashes between two groups of men who have been fighting for the right to the profits.

nursing broken bones

Although there has not been any death so far, several men have been seriously injured after they were beaten and left nursing broken bones. At least a dozen men are believed to be involved in the conflict.

"Some months ago a group of men from the community devised a way to make illegal connections and charge residents a small weekly fee. Recently, another set of men from the same community wanted in on the action and when they were told 'no' it started a war," Inspector Martin Howell of the Area One Police Division told THE STAR.

It was further explained to THE STAR that through the illegal connection, residents pay $200 per week and are given about 50 channels.

The police say they are yet to determine the number of residents who have taken up the illegal offer, but it is suspected that the men reap handsome profits.

sticks, stones

With the prospect of earning big, the men have been at each other's throats, clashing frequently in the streets of the community, using sticks, stones and anything else they can grab to get their point across.

"Based on what we heard, the original men are not willing to let in anybody on the action but the other men are willing to fight for it," said Inspector Howell, adding, "They have not gone for the gun, instead these men are literally using sticks and stones but it is still a serious situation."

The most recent clash occurred on Sunday afternoon.

collect payments

According to reports, about 4 p.m. two men had gone into a section of the community to collect cable payments.

They were confronted by a group of men who ordered them to leave, and upon resisting several blows were thrown on them. One of the men suffered a broken leg and had to be taken to hospital.

The police say that they have already began to increase their presence in the community and will be looking to slap charges on the participants in the illegal activity.