IPSWICH: Two men are today facing murder charges in Jamaica after a former Ipswich man was gunned down in a late-night attack.

Linval Allen had lived in Suffolk for more than 40 years before returning to the Caribbean island around 18 months ago.

Mr Allen was fatally wounded as he sat on his verandah in Coco Walk, Cross Keys, Manchester, around 10.30pm on September 24. At the time the 65-year-old was sitting alongside his niece Daysha Reid, who escaped with bullet grazes to her stomach.

Two gunmen are said to have approached the pair and opened fire.

Police in Jamaica have confirmed the suspects have been arrested and charged. Deon Ricketts and Kymani Preddie will appear in court next week.

District Constable Janelle Kidd, based in Kingston, Jamaica, said: “Two people were arrested and are currently in custody. They are charged with murder and wounding with intent.

“The case was brought before the magistrates’ court on Tuesday this week and the matter was adjourned until Wednesday, December 8.”

The district where Mr Allen lived is said to be a quiet farming community.

After the shooting one resident, Owen Morgan, said everyone living in the area was in disbelief, especially since they had no idea why anyone would want to hurt Mr Allen.

Mr Allen is said to have returned to the Caribbean after inheriting a house.

He had set up a farming business and was happily rearing about 20 goats.

Mr Allen was well-known around Ipswich, including at the former Caribbean Club in Woodbridge Road.

Norman Wilcox, a friend of Mr Allen’s, said: “He was a happy-go-lucky bloke and flamboyant.

“He was a great character and very outgoing, he lived for today. He never got into trouble here as far as I knew.”

Before returning to Jamaica Mr Allen had lived in Fitzwilliam Close, Ipswich, for more than 25 years.

He leaves a wife, two daughters and two granddaughters.