Updated: Friday, 9:15 AM

Above: Kingston (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Vincent Simpson, the brother of Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, was attacked by two assailants early Thursday morning in Kingston.

Simpson is the Prime Minister’s older brother.

The attack occurred on King Street between Harbour Street and Water Lane at Simpson’s retail store early Thursday morning as Simpson was opening up the shop.

The two assailants reportedly entered Simpson’s office through the window and began pummeling him and, according to some reports, also stabbed him. The attack was reportedly a robbery attempt in which a small amount of cash was also taken from Simpson.

Simpson is now in the hospital.

A spokeswoman at the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed to Caribbean Journal it was Simpson who was attacked, although she said the OPM would not yet be issuing a statement.

A police spokesman told Caribbean Journal he had “no knowledge” of the incident, although the police later admitted that the incident had occurred.

The incident underscores what continues to be a serious crime problem in the country.