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Scores of residents in Coopers Pen, Trelawny, were left scrambling for their belongings Tuesday morning after their homes were demolished in a pre-dawn operation that caught the community off guard.

Residents said they were jolted awake about 3 a.m. by the roar of heavy-duty equipment as workmen moved through the community and began tearing down houses.

By daylight, about 25 homes had reportedly been demolished, leaving scores of residents displaced and wondering where they will go next.

A strong police presence was observed during the operation, but The STAR was unable to ascertain who ordered or carried out the demolition exercise.

Residents said they have occupied the land for decades and claimed that a longstanding court dispute exists with an individual who says he owns the property.

According to the residents, an agreement was reached with the individual in 2019 for them to purchase approximately nine acres of the land.

They said, however, that they heard nothing further after the agreement and were stunned when the demolition crews arrived in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The residents also claimed that they were not served with any notice to vacate before the demolition.

As the heavy machinery moved through the community, affected residents were seen desperately gathering furniture, clothing and other belongings from the remains of their homes.

For many, the sudden destruction has left them facing an uncertain future.

The residents are now appealing to the relevant authorities to intervene and assist those displaced by the demolition.