THE St Catherine South Police have increased their presence in Central Village, St Catherine after receiving reports of escalating tension between gangs in the area.

This follows the shooting deaths of two persons in the area last week.

The police report that the feud is between the 'Little Lane' and 'Zambia' gangs which are from different sections of Central Village.

"We have received reports that criminal gangs may be planning a series of reprisals following shootings in the area and, as a result, police have increased their presence in sections of the community," one investigator from the division told the Observer.

Head of the Division, Senior Superintendent Collin Pinnock confirmed the information.

"We have received the reports and have increased our presence in the area and will continue to do so to ensure that things are under control," Pinnock warned.

The police also released the names of several persons of interest from the area.

The men, whose addresses and ages were not disclosed, have been identified as Mandrake Williams, Stokey Collin o/c Pepper, another man known only by his alias 'Sweetie Man', and another man identified only as 'Salt Fish'.

Police have also asked anyone with information on the whereabouts of these men to call the nearest police station.