A house was torched and two men shot and killed in Lakes Pen, St Catherine, yesterday morning leaving a gloom over the community.

Those killed have been identified as Merrick Watson, 37, a tractor operator, and 38-year-old Kirk Virtue, both of Lakes Pen.

The police told The weekend Star that about 1:30 a.m. Watson and Virtue were at home when men with high-powered weapons kicked down their door and shot them repeatedly. Fire was also set to the house. The men then made their escape on foot in the area.

Both injured men were taken to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

Police added that a number of empty casing from M16 and AK-47 rifles were found at the murder scene.

Residents told The weekend Star that for several months, a gang feud has broken out in the district, which has led to acts of shootings, murders and firebombing of homes by hoodlums. "The gun dem fire until wi tired of it now. It's very sad that anybody can get shot, it must stop now," a resident said.

Others indicated they were too fearful to talk about the issue, but hope the problem of crime and violence would be dealt with urgently.

Meanwhile, the St Catherine North Homicide Unit is conducting investigations in the matter.

The killing of the two brings to 55 the number of murders to have been recorded in the division since the start of the year.