A 27-year-old mason was beaten to death by an angry mob in Brikama on Wednesday evening after being accused of possessing stolen property, prompting a police investigation and a hunt for more suspects.

The victim, Ba Musa Sabally, was allegedly attacked by a group of youths at Dirimakolong, Brikama, at around 6pm.

According to witnesses, Sabally was subjected to a brutal assault before being abandoned by the roadside. He was later rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Sources familiar with the matter said the deceased had previously received threats from individuals who warned him to change his behaviour. While he was reportedly suspected of links to stolen property, he had not been formally charged with any offence before the attack.

The killing threatened to trigger further violence after friends of the deceased reportedly sought to retaliate against those believed to have carried out the assault.

However, officers from the The Gambia Police Force and the Police Intervention Unit swiftly intervened to restore order and prevent clashes.

Police have since arrested Ebrima Kandeh, an 18-year-old from Brikama Bojang Kunda, in connection with the killing. Investigators say he is assisting with enquiries and has identified three other individuals allegedly involved in the attack.

An eyewitness described the incident as shocking, saying he had seen Sabally moving around the community only hours before the fatal assault.

The body of the deceased has been taken to the mortuary in Banjul for a post-mortem examination.

Police have appealed for calm and urged members of the public with information to assist investigators.

The incident has reignited concerns over mob justice, with residents calling for those responsible for the killing to face the full force of the law.