The St Catherine North police believe 18-year-old Nicole Wray of Time and Patience in the parish was raped and killed on Tuesday night.

The body of the teenager, otherwise called 'Pumpkin', was reportedly found near her home in the Wallen's Housing Scheme.

Reports are that about 7:30 p.m. Wray was walking with a male friend towards her home when they were approached by two men. The men are said to have punched Wray's friend in the face.

He reportedly ran and alerted other residents but upon returning to the area, neither Wray or the men were seen.

A further search of the area would, however, only lead to the discovery of Wray's nude body.

The police say her neck was noticeably swollen, suggesting she was strangled.