WITH the community now barricaded police are appealing to law-abiding residents of Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town to call them if they need assistance.

The barricades have been reinforced by barbed wire attached to high voltage Jamaica Public Service electricity distribution lines. Liquid Petroleum Gas cylinders have also been inserted into the barricades.

Police said that besides building barricades, criminals are preventing residents from leaving and confiscating their mobile phones. They also confirmed that a police armoured personnel carrier was shot-up this morning while travelling in Denham Town.

"The Police are also appealing to these residents to report any acts of criminality and are assuring these citizens that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security forces as we intend to conduct our operations in a professional manner in accordance with the law and in the interest of all concerned," said a statement from the Jamaica Constabulary Force today.

Residents can call police control at 119 or senior duty officers at 978-6462 and 927-7778 to report any concerns or any information coming to their notice.