A GETAWAY from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) on Saturday night last turned ugly for six students after they were surrounded by an angry mob of residents wary of strangers, given recent incidents of break-ins.The GSA is located at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. Three of the residents have been arrested as Police probe the case.

One of the injured students, Michael Layne told the Guyana Chronicle that he was part of a group of six students who decided to getaway from GSA to attend a party at about 21:00 hrs.

He said that while they were making their way out to get a bus to their destination via Agriculture Road, which borders Mon Repos and Triumph village, they were confronted by a large group of villagers, who accused them of being thieves.

Layne, a first year student, stated that they were given a ‘stiff’ beating even after they told the mob that they were students of GSA.

He added that they were questioned about their presence in the village, but their explanations did not saved them from receiving a sound thrashing. He estimated the crowd to be about 100 men, women, and children.

The 17-year-old told this newspaper that two of his friends managed to getaway but he was not so lucky and was beaten repeatedly in the head, which caused some injuries.

He stated that they are tramautised by the incident and made a report to the Police station where they were asked to tender medical certificates documenting their injuries.

It was reported that villagers have been hit by a series of break-ins in recent times and were thus wary of strangers.

GSA officials were said to be either out or unavailable for a statement on the issue. GSA’s policy is that on weekends (Sundays) students have to return to the school before 21:00 hrs while on weekdays the curfew is 19:00 hrs.

The students have since reported the matter to school authorities; it is unclear if disciplinary actions will follow.

Police Commander of ‘C’ Division, Marlon Chapman, said that they are aware of the matter and a probe has been launched.

Apart from the three residents already arrested, Chapman said more could be held as the investigation progresses. (Michel Outridge)