Dead is Police Constable Deon Joseph 18343, who was gunned down while riding north along E Field Dam in Sophia, Georgetown at about 09:10 hrs, Police said.

Residents in the area said two men ambushed the 30-year-old Policeman, shot him several times and fled as the Constable fell to the ground bleeding from his wounds.

Residents who gathered at the scene recalled hearing several gunshots.

A bloodstain on the mud dam marked the spot where the cop was executed.

Police in a press release said Joseph was fatally shot about 100 metres from his residence.

Two assailants suddenly confronted the Policeman and opened fire, shooting him eight times about the body, Police stated.

He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said his service revolver and six live rounds were stolen by the killers, both of whom are known.

Shortly after the killing, the Guyana Defence Force helicopter flew around the area.

With the helicopter overhead, several four-wheel drive vehicles with armed Policemen clad in bulletproof vests traversed the dams and streets in the area looking for the killers.

Constable Joseph, who joined the Force on February 4 2000, was last stationed at Kitty Police Station.

The release said the Commissioner and ranks of the Guyana Police Force expressed sincere condolences to the family and friends on the death of Constable Joseph.

Residents in the area expressed shock at the daylight execution and one man lamented that nowhere seemed to be safe anymore.

He recalled hailing out morning greetings to `Joe', as the Policeman was fondly known in the area, a few hours before he met his demise.

Constable Joseph completed building his wooden house in December and was living there with his wife, residents said.

Policemen have been targeted by criminals since the crime upsurge almost a year ago.