Residents of Dookiesingh Street, St Augustine, celebrated after police shot and killed two men on Wednesday, one of whom belonged to their community, with one resident describing the dead man as "wicked like hell."

Head of the North Central Division Snr Supt Richard Smith told Newsday there was a small chase and a violent encounter between officers and a man they identified as Darion Bridgelal, who was wanted for a double murder that occurred on December 30.

In December, three men were liming on the porch of a house in the community when the suspect allegedly shot and killed Anand Bissoon and Shane Ramjitsingh, both of Dookiesingh Street Extension. Another resident, Nethan Greer was injured.

On Wednesday, Smith said when police went to Bridgelal's home earlier in the day, he was in the company of another man, identified only as "Sudeen."

Smith said when officers tried to arrest Bridgelal, a violent encounter occurred, resulting in both men being fatally wounded.

A gun, drugs and ammunition were recovered at the scene. Smith offered his condolences to the relatives of two dead men.

"We are out here trying to ensure safety and security for the residents of Dookiesingh Street and I want to just let them rest assured we are here for them and we appreciate whatever information the community is able to share with us in the near future," said Smith.

Both men died metres away from Bridgelal's home, behind a neighbour's house. The resident was not at home at the time of the shooting.

Newsday visited the community, but unlike Smith, residents did not offer their condolences, instead opting to praise officers for what they called "taking a demon off the street."

One resident who did not wish to be identified said he had known Bridgelal his entire life and about five years ago, he dropped out of school. He said the community can now "sleep a little easier knowing Bridgelal is no longer roaming."

[caption id="attachment_1083520" align="alignnone" width="1024"] An officer of the canine unit examines the crime scene where two men were killed by police on Dookiesingh Street, St Augustine on May 15. - Photo by Jeff K. Mayers[/caption]

The resident said his concern was for the officers involved in the shooting and their wellbeing and he hoped the TTPS can help them.

"It's not easy killing somebody, I can’t imagine how they (the officers) feel when they have to. I hope they get some kind of help to cope with it."

Another resident, also not wanting to be named, said, “It was about time."

Alleging Bridgelal has been terrorising the community and residents, she said the community had made several calls to police for help in the past.

"It's sad when somebody dies and I want to say this situation is sad too, but I will be lying because everybody was fed up with them."

She said when the suspect was a child the community held him, took care of him and watched him play with their children.

The woman said after Bridgelal dropped out of school, he started getting involved in criminal activity and fell in wit