Armed gangs battle police on Kingston's streets

Jamaican authorities say they are putting Kingston and surrounding areas under a state of emergency as police fight armed gangs trying to stop the arrest of a reputed gang leader sought for possible extradition to the United States. Christopher "Dudus" Coke is wanted by US authorities on drug and arms trafficking charges.

A police officer and a civilian were wounded by gunfire in street clashes and three police stations came under attack in the city, police said on Sunday. One police station was set on fire after police abandoned it having run out of bullets, they added.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding held an emergency meeting with his cabinet on Sunday and issued a State of Emergency for Kingston and St. Andrew, set to take effect at 6pm (0900 AEST om Monday) in the Caribbean nation of about 2.8 million. The government said the state of emergency will last for at least a month.