Police in a statement said the PNC/R had applied for permission to use the site today for the viewing of the bodies of the two persons.

The statement said that in the light of recent incidents and other considerations, "the Force considers it imprudent to allow such an activity and has denied permission for the bodies to be viewed at the Square".

"We expect that the organisers will comply with our directive and ensure that the funeral procession is conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner," the Police said.

The Police Force is also advising those taking part in the procession to walk three abreast and "avoid causing any inconvenience or harm to other commuters".

"Our concerns stem from our experiences with two recent funerals that took place at Buxton (East Coast Demerara) where violence ensued and persons were beaten and robbed," the Police stated.