One of two wards of the state who attempted to abscond the Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Remand Centre in Kingston this morning (February 10), was shot and wounded.

The wounded ward was taken to hospital for treatment.

The Department of Correctional Services DCS said the wards broke out of their dormitories, at about 5:45am.

It said one ward was caught on the compound while the other made his way over the wall.

Shots were reportedly fired by the sentry officers and the ward was hit.

The DCS said the police were alerted and the ward was found suffering from a gunshot wound.

According to the DCS, the Independent Commission of Investigations, INDECOM, has been informed and an investigation has been launched into the attempted escape.