The house where the shooting occurred.

Three men suspected to be bandits were shot dead Wednesday morning after an attempted robbery in Prashad Nagar, police said.

Persons in Premnaranjan Street where the shootings occurred around 11AM initially told Demerara Waves Online News that three bodies were removed from the scene.

However, hospital sources said one of the men, identified as 39-year old Tony "Skin Teeth" Ogle of Callender Street, Albouystown, was admitted in criticial condition and subsequently died while receiving medical attention. One of the suspects killed at the scene has been identified as 24-year old Leon "Cow" Gittens of Albouystown while the other only was known as "Mac." . DemWaves understands that Gittens was freed of a break and enter charge on Monday. Police added that Ogle was before the court on two charges of robbery under arms, discharging loaded firearm and possession of firearm without licence.

Arms and ammunition at the scene of the shooting (police photo)

Crime Chief Deputy Commissioner Seelall Persaud one .357 Magnum revolver with two live rounds and one .32 pistol with nine live rounds and three rounds that had snapped were recovered from the scene.

Other police sources said they received a tip off that a robbery was in progress and responded to the scene where they confronted the men resulting in the shootings. "We received information that there was a plan to committ a robbery. They (police) went down there and staked them out," said Persaud. Two of the bandits had their weapons already drawn, said Persaud. There were no reports of casualties among the lawmen.

Later Wednesday, police said in a statement that the armed men opened fire on the lawmen. "Upon being challenged by the police, the armed men opened fire on the ranks who returned fire, hitting all three of the men," said Guyana Police Force spokesman, Ivelaw Whittaker.

The property allegedly targetted by the men is owned by businessman Wayne Heber, proprietor of the Double Platinum hotel and Double Platinum gas station in Bartica.