JUNCTION, St Mary - Five people were shot, three fatally, during a shootout between licensed firearm holders and gunmen at a bar along the Junction main road in St Mary last night.

One of the licensed firearm holders was identified last night by relatives as Larry Palmer, 53-year-old farmer of St Mary and Kingston addresses.

The identity of a female and one of the gunmen who were also killed have not yet been ascertained.

One woman and the second licensed firearm holder were admitted to hospital last night in critical condition.

Three firearms, two reportedly belonging to the licensed firearm holders and a pistol allegedly taken from the gunman, were recovered by the police.

According to commanding officer for St Mary, Superintendent Dudley Scott, four patrons were inside a bar when gunmen entered and opened fire.

Scott said the two male patrons who are licensed firearm holders challenged the gunmen and a shootout ensued.

When the gunfire stopped, it was revealed that five people, including one of the gunmen who ran from the bar had received gunshot wounds.

He collapsed and died about two metres away along the roadway.

Palmer and the woman who were shot multiple times also died on the spot while the other two were taken to hospital.

Investigators believe that at least two gunmen escaped in a truck that was parked meters away from the bar.

The incident caused traffic to be backed up for several hours.

Scott told the Observer last night that the probe into the shooting was at an early stage and that investigators had not yet determined a motive for the attack.

Police said nothing was taken from the bar or its patrons. The bartender reportedly escaped unhurt.