A 30-year-old Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force private was killed in a gun attack just steps away from his Chaguanas residence on Saturday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Jealani Garcia Williams.

According to preliminary reports, the fatal shooting occurred while Williams was on the street outside his home, located in the East Balmoral area of the Edinburgh 500 housing development.

Armed assailants reportedly confronted the off-duty soldier and opened fire, striking him several times.

The suspects escaped following the attack.

Williams succumbed to his injuries before emergency medical personnel could intervene and was pronounced dead at the location.

Police immediately cordoned off the crime scene.