An angry mob forced the premature end to the Montego Bay leg of the Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival blow-out, when they hurled missiles at a group of alleged homosexuals on Sunday.
Police say at least two members of the group were hospitalised, one in serious condition.
The men were among a group of costumed dancers, gyrating in a lewd and sexually suggestive manner on-stage, during judging of the costumes.
The packed Old Hospital Park erupted into a near stampede, when several patrons hurled missiles at the group, some members of which they accused of being on sex tapes that are being circulated in the city.
One man fled the stage and was chased through the town. He was held on St. James Street, where he was chopped and beaten.
"He played dead to avoid being killed by the crowd, but managed to sit up as soon as he saw the police arrive," an officer said. "We are not sure if he will live because he has suffered serious head injuries."
People scampered
Media personnel and M.C. 'Jerry D' were forced to flee the stage, as well as calypsonian Oscar B and other members of the Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires Band.
As hundreds of people scampered to avoid injury, Jerry D begged the audience to remain calm.
One of the injured men had to seek refuge inside the popular Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge, after being chased relentlessly by a mob along Gloucester Avenue. He too was beaten before he jumped over a bar counter and hid.
"Mi see a man with an illegal gun who wanted to shoot him, but we neva know so much legal guns were inside the premises, so everybody have to back off," a member of the mob told The Star.
Investigators are still probing the incident, but have confirmed that no one has been arrested in connection with the brutal attack.
The digital video discs (DVDs), which portray life in Montego Bay's gay underworld is reportedly catching wholesale attention.
Showing men clad in 'sexy' female garments such as thongs, panties, padded brassieres, stiletto heels and body hugging blouses, the dvds have been in circulation for several weeks.
The Star obtained copies and saw that one of the cross-dressers, apparently the life of the party, outfitted in a short black skirt suit and long black curly hair. He was constantly gyrated to the latest dancehall moves such as 'Dutty Wine' and 'Hot Wuk.
At one point, the sound system selector was observed hiding behind the turntable and was heard asking the cross-dressers to "turn me on".
In the other tape, men were seen having sex with each other.
Speculations abound that the police first released videos in the aftermath of the Montego Bay lottery scam bust in February, but others believe that their circulation might have been the work of the gay community, who want to display their way of life.
When contacted, Mark Shields, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime said: "I am hearing about it for the first time. We would have to review it to see what action, if any, can be taken."
Police say at least two members of the group were hospitalised, one in serious condition.
The men were among a group of costumed dancers, gyrating in a lewd and sexually suggestive manner on-stage, during judging of the costumes.
The packed Old Hospital Park erupted into a near stampede, when several patrons hurled missiles at the group, some members of which they accused of being on sex tapes that are being circulated in the city.
One man fled the stage and was chased through the town. He was held on St. James Street, where he was chopped and beaten.
"He played dead to avoid being killed by the crowd, but managed to sit up as soon as he saw the police arrive," an officer said. "We are not sure if he will live because he has suffered serious head injuries."
People scampered
Media personnel and M.C. 'Jerry D' were forced to flee the stage, as well as calypsonian Oscar B and other members of the Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires Band.
As hundreds of people scampered to avoid injury, Jerry D begged the audience to remain calm.
One of the injured men had to seek refuge inside the popular Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge, after being chased relentlessly by a mob along Gloucester Avenue. He too was beaten before he jumped over a bar counter and hid.
"Mi see a man with an illegal gun who wanted to shoot him, but we neva know so much legal guns were inside the premises, so everybody have to back off," a member of the mob told The Star.
Investigators are still probing the incident, but have confirmed that no one has been arrested in connection with the brutal attack.
The digital video discs (DVDs), which portray life in Montego Bay's gay underworld is reportedly catching wholesale attention.
Showing men clad in 'sexy' female garments such as thongs, panties, padded brassieres, stiletto heels and body hugging blouses, the dvds have been in circulation for several weeks.
The Star obtained copies and saw that one of the cross-dressers, apparently the life of the party, outfitted in a short black skirt suit and long black curly hair. He was constantly gyrated to the latest dancehall moves such as 'Dutty Wine' and 'Hot Wuk.
At one point, the sound system selector was observed hiding behind the turntable and was heard asking the cross-dressers to "turn me on".
In the other tape, men were seen having sex with each other.
Speculations abound that the police first released videos in the aftermath of the Montego Bay lottery scam bust in February, but others believe that their circulation might have been the work of the gay community, who want to display their way of life.
When contacted, Mark Shields, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime said: "I am hearing about it for the first time. We would have to review it to see what action, if any, can be taken."