Senior Reporter
anna-lisa.paul@guardian.co.tt
Three men were shot whilst repairing a car in Belmont yesterday afternoon, during what police believe was the ongoing gang violence between warring factions in the area.
One man was pronounced dead on arrival at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) shortly after the shooting around 3.40 pm, while two others were reportedly injured.
None of the trio were identified up to last night.
Guardian Media was told by residents that two of the men were known only by their aliases - “OJ” and “Vannie.”
It is believed that Vannie lives along Belle Eau Road, Belmont.
Residents reported hearing gunshots after an unknown car drove down De Castro Lane and blocked the turn leading into Rudin Lane, following which the occupants opened fire on the men as they stood on the road.
The gunmen reportedly escaped by driving off along Darceuil Lane.
Residents close by said they were surprised by the sudden burst of gunfire, as children played outside and persons returned home from work.
A 15-year-old boy said, “This is the first time I hear and see something like this here. Usually the area is quiet, so I real shocked.”
Shaking as she recalled hearing the gunshots from inside and rushing out to gather her children, who were playing in the gallery, a visibly traumatised woman said, “I shouted at them to get down.”
Guardian Media observed a girl no older than six playing with her dolls under the watchful eyes of an older sibling.
Resting a hand on her chest, the anxious mother pointed to the trail of blood leading down to the nearby East Dry River, as she said one of the victims had attempted to escape the gunmen.
He was shot in the leg and hand and was taken to hospital by a resident in his car.
Another resident driving a truck conveyed the other two victims to the PoSGH, where one man was pronounced dead on arrival, while the second was treated and warded.