A fiery demonstration by angry Carenage residents, questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of 30 year-old Brian Smith. The residents say Mr. Smith was beaten and drowned by members of the Defence Force.

Last night the relatives and friends of Mr. Smith burnt tyres and caused major traffic along the Western Main Road, demanding answers. Police were called to the scene of the demonstration. Officers are said to have tried breaking up the demonstration, but were unsuccessful.

Mr. Smith’s body was pulled out of the sea last Sunday morning. The man’s mother Gloria told members of the media he was a good swimmer so she was at a loss as to how he drowned. She said the soldiers are responsible.

Relatives say based on the information they have Mr. Smith was drinking with soldiers attached to the Engineering Battalion last Friday when he got into an argument. They allege that the soldiers beat Mr. Smith with a shovel and threw him into the sea.

However, Public Relations Officer for the Defence Force Major Alexander tells a different story. Speaking with Newscenter 5 this morning he said earlier in the day on Friday Mr. Smith was liming at a house in Carenage where soldiers were conducting repairs when he had an altercation with a civilian.

According to Major Alexander soldiers on the site were interviewed. He said Mr. Smith then went for a swim and disappeared and there are witnesses to prove this. He is questioning why allegations are now being made against soldiers days later. Major Alexander said the autopsy speaks for itself.

Major Alexander believes residents are trying to make soldiers look bad. Mr. Smith’s body was seen floating on Sunday morning by Prison Officers who were on their way to work at Carrera Prison.