Update | Police accused of assaulting man during protest in Westmoreland

P olice personnel in Westmoreland are being accused of using excessive force after a man was allegedly manhandled by them during Monday's roadblock in Hertford in the parish.

Taxi operators on Monday withdrew their services and mounted a roadblock along the main road in the community to protest poor road conditions.

Marcia Campbell, told The Gleaner, that her cousin Wazim was involved in a verbal altercation with cops during the protest and the situation escalated.

“Dem say cuss it (expletive) again and him curse it again and the police grab him and him chuck off the police,” she recounted. “And the police grab him and have his head beating in the van.”

Campbell alleged that the incident left her cousin seriously injured.

She added that her cousin was later taken to hospital but remains in police custody.

Meanwhile, protesters warned that tensions could continue to escalate. Some indicated that even after agreeing to clear the roadblock, they would not follow through unless they receive assurances that the man will not remain in police custody.

The incident has added to tensions surrounding the protest, as concerns grow over the handling of civilians by the police.

- Mickalia Kington

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.