Police officers are up in arms over the murder of their colleague Constable Richard Babwah.

Babwah, 40, of Lopinot Road, Arouca, was at a Chinese restaurant in the area around 5:20p.m. yesterday, when two men, one armed with a gun, entered and announced a robbery.

Officer Babwah pulled out his service pistol and there was an exchange of gunfire.

One of the suspects was struck in the lower abdomen while officer Babwah was hit sseveral times. He died at the scene. The suspects escaped in a red Nissan Almera.

The wounded suspect, a 33-year-old man of Maloney, sought medical attention at the Arima District Health Facility, where he was detained. He was then transferred to the Eric Williams’ Medical Sciences Complex, and is under police guard.

The second suspect, a 31-year-old man, was held at Everglade Avenue, Maloney around 7:20pm, in the get-away vehicle.

Babwah, a Special Reserve Police Officer, who had four years’ service leaves to mourn, his mother, father and two daughters. He was attached to the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region 2, Arouca.

ASP Windel Flaviney, described the late officer as someone who was committed and dedicated with a desire to serve others. PC Babwah, was also well liked and had a good rapport with his colleagues in the Homicide Bureau of Investigations.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, has expressed sadness over the death.