A group of gunmen armed with high-powered weapons yesterday evening opened fire on the Spanish Town Police Station, engaging members of the constabulary force in a gun battle and sending commuters running for cover.

The gunmen, who are alleged to be members of the Clansman gang, attacked the station about 7 p.m., and for several minutes maintained sustained gunfire. Reports received by THE WEEKEND STAR are that an eight-year-old girl was shot during the attack.

It is said that after the police regained control, the men retreated towards the Dela Vega community.

"The gunman dem spray the cell area and the side of the station wid shots. Right now, we just a work fi defend it," a sergeant said when contacted by THE WEEKEND STAR.

When we visited the area, scores of commuters were seen running on the streets in the Old Capital, close to the station. Some of them were worried about how they would get to their destinations.

Gunshots were also heard near the Spanish Town Hospital and it was reported that there was also gunfire along St John's Road, Rivoli, Jones Avenue and other areas. Along March Pen Road, vendors ran leaving their goods behind and people were seen walking from Greendale to the town centre.

A number of commuters were seen stranded as taxi drivers withdrew their services. "Yeah man, a walk wi affi walk go home now, it really wicked as a doctor mi coming from," said one commuter, Michelle Galloway, when approached by THE WEEKEND STAR.

Commerce in the area was basically crippled by the outburst, as bars, shops, supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants shut their doors. A Jamaica Defence Force helicopter with searchlight was seen hovering over the area and members of the Jamaica Defence Force were out in their numbers up to press time last night.

A statement from the Police High Command last night said the unprovoked attacks on police at the station and those on mobile patrols nearby are clear indications of the extraordinary lengths to which criminals from the Clansman gang will go in order to perpetuate their criminal way of life.

The release further stated that, "The attack indicates the weapons that these criminals have at their disposal and their willingness to use these weapons against the security forces."

Despite the criminals' firepower, however, the release stated that the police will not cower in the face of these attacks and will respond appropriately and professionally.

Yesterday's attack is rumoured to have been a reprisal for the police killing of former Clansman member Don Topping recently.