The police in St James have seized 19 illegal guns since the start of the year.

In the latest of seizures, an unidentified man was fatally shot yesterday morning during a reported gun battle with the police at Norwood in the parish.

Police say the man, who was clad in body armour was found in possession of a high-powered home-made rifle.

According to reports, police were informed that heavily armed men were seen parading in the Paradise area of the community. Upon the police's arrival, they were greeted with a barrage of bullets.

A shoot-out ensued and afterwards, one man was found dead with the weapon in his possession.

Up until yesterday afternoon, the police say they were still in search of other men believed to be part of the group of gunmen.