Prime Minister Gaston Browne says police are probing a possible link between gang activity and the killing of two teenagers this week, as he pointed to earlier efforts to defuse tensions among rival groups.

Speaking on his weekly radio programme, Browne said investigators are examining whether the fatal shooting is connected to past clashes between groups in Gray’s Farm and Villa, areas that had previously seen heightened violence.

The prime minister stopped short of confirming a direct link but recalled intervening about two years ago when tensions escalated between rival gangs. He said he met with young men involved and delivered a blunt warning about the consequences of their actions.

“I was very frank with them here. When I met them, I said, ‘Look, it’s one of two outcomes, you know.’ He’s either going to jail or in the grave. So make up your mind, take your pick,” Browne said.

Browne noted that many of those individuals he spoke to chose to change course, returning to school and pursuing more positive paths.

“Admittedly, most of them took the advice… went back to school, they’re doing well, and we’re proud of them,” he said.

However, he said a small number did not heed the warning, with tragic consequences.

“But we had one or two… a handful of them who didn’t take the advice. And, you know, exactly what we warned them,” Browne added, expressing sympathy for the families affected.

He extended condolences to the relatives of the two teenagers killed, saying that regardless of circumstances, “there’s no reason why anybody should just snuff out their life like that.”

Browne said efforts would continue to steer at-risk youth away from crime, including outreach and support for education and employment, while police pursue those responsible for the killings.