Three young men were shot and killed in Santa Cruz  on Monday afternoon, by officers of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT).

They have been identified as 17 year old Nicholas Seemungal, 21 year old Kadeem Issac aka Cookie and 22 year old Tajniar Charles.  

According to reports, the officers were conducting a mobile patrol  at Vicky Trace, La Canoa Road shortly before 4pm, when they observed a group of men acting suspiciously. The men allegedly fired at the officers, prompting them to return fire.

They were rushed to the Port of Spain General Hospital but succumbed to their injuries. 

Each of the young men are said to have had prior firearm-related charges.