(Kaieteur News) – A 16-year-old Corentyne teenager was killed following a police chase on Thursday evening, with conflicting accounts of how the tragedy unfolded triggering fiery protests and renewed allegations of police brutality in Region Six.

Residents allege that Altaf King was struck from his motorcycle by a police patrol vehicle during the pursuit, while the Guyana Police Force maintains that the teenager lost control of his motorcycle while attempting to evade ranks and crashed into a utility pole. As tensions mounted Thursday night, angry residents blocked the Princetown Public Road with burning tyres and other debris, demanding justice and an independent investigation into the teen’s death.

In a statement last night, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said its Office of Professional Responsibility has commenced an immediate investigation into the death of King.