Residents of Gravel Heights in Spanish Town, St Catherine, breathed a big sigh of relief yesterday following the police killing of James Hinds, one of Jamaica's most wanted men.

Hinds, who was killed in a shoot-out with police, was said to be behind a number of attacks on residents in Gravel Heights, forcing many to flee and turning sections of the community into a ghost town. This resulted in the posting of soldiers in the area, which was developed under the Operation Pride project.

Residents return home

As news of Hinds death circulated throughout the community, a number of former residents were seen returning to their homes that they were ordered to leave by thugs in the community last December.

Others consumed different types of beverages and uttered words of gratitude to members of the security forces who maintained a presence in the area.

"We thank the police and soldiers for staying with us and help to force out the criminal dem, words are just not enough to say thanks,'' said Roger Snape as he drank a cold Red Stripe beer.

Police say Hinds was spotted by members of the Task Force on Crime and he opened fire at them; during an ensuing shoot-out, he was shot dead.

"The team was on operation and went to Newland in Portmore, where they saw Hinds he started to fire at the team. The men took cover and fired back during which time he was hit and ran. It was during a search of the neighbouring Southboro that he was found," Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn said, adding that Hinds was wanted for a number of murders in St Catherine.