A Jamaica Defence Force Armoured vehicle clears a roadblock on Hannah Street in Hannah Town, Kingston, leading into Denham Town yesterday. Minutes the vehcile later came under heavy gunfire. - Norman Grindley

Gunmen from west Kingston showed just how serious they were about defending Christopher 'Dudus' Coke yesterday, when they opened fire on a Jamaica Defence force (JDF) armoured vehicle which breached a roadblock in Denham Town.

The soldiers, who were heading to a military post located at the old Remand Centre, had to beat a hasty retreat as bullets rained on their vehicle.

People in the area, including those at the nearby Kingston Public Hospital, had to scamper for cover. Up to late last night, there were no reports of any injuries.

Residents of Denham Town later told THE STAR that people, including the security forces, were warned not to trouble the roadblocks. "Them tell the soldier from yesterday that them not to move the roadblock,but dem come back this morning and the man dem defend it,'' a resident said after some normality returned to the area.

Later in the evening, the JDF announced it had called out the National Reserve, asking its members to report for duty at 1800 hours today (6 p.m.) and be prepared to go into action.

Meanwhile, the blockades remain across several streets in west Kingston. Police said some of the barricades were reinforced by barbed wires attached to high voltage Jamaica Public Service lines and liquid petroleum gas cylinders.

Checks made in the downtown Kingston business district reveal that the area was still tense as there were very few vendors on the streets, while those who remain were seen packing to leave.