Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Patrons of British Link Up 2008, held at La Roose nightclub in Portmore, run for cover after gunshots rang out yesterday morning. It was the second major violent incident at the Port Henderson venue in five years, after a police shooting in 2003.

Investigators are still trying to ascertain the motive behind the shooting death of a man and injuries to seven others at a British Link Up dance held at the popular La Roose nightclub in Portmore, St Catherine, yesterday morning.

The dead man has been identified as 41-year-old Clifton Reid of Anthony Road, Kingston 5. Six persons, including a female, received gunshot wounds during the incident, while two others were injured in an ensuing stampede. The event attracted hundreds of patrons.

Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Benjamin said it was unclear what triggered the altercation.

"It happened in the morning. Many persons have left the venue, some gone home, some at hospital. So it will take some time to interview the relevant persons to find out what caused the shooting," said Benjamin.

Shoot-out/stampede

Sergeant Troy Anderson of the Constabulary Communication Network, the police information arm, said a gunfight erupted between patrons about 7:45 a.m.

"During the mêlée, six persons, including Reid, were shot. He died on the spot," said Anderson.

A patron, who requested anonymity, told The Gleaner that he heard at least six gunshots. He said patrons stormed the exit as shots were fired, causing the stampede inside the venue.

"People were running on top of each other," he said.

The injured persons were taken to the Kingston Public and Spanish Town hospitals.

Efforts to reach promoters of the popular show were unsuccessful.

The Major Investigation Task Force is imploring persons with information to contact them at 948-1329, Operation Kingfish at 811, or Crime Stop at 311.

Onlookers view the body of Clifton Reid, 41, at La Roose yesterday morning. - Photos by Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer