Three babies aged not older than six months are feared dead from suffocation after riot police and some residents of the James Town community in Accra clashed over a chieftaincy dispute Friday afternoon.

The babies were believed to have inhaled tear gas volleyed by the police to repulse stone throwing rival youths of the area engaged in a dispute over the rightful heir to the Gbese stool.

The irate youth were said to have attacked the police with other implements as bottles and clubs after the law enforcers tried to quell an imminent clash between the rival factions in the protracted disagreement over the enstoolment of the Gbese Mantse (Chief).

An unspecified number of people are also alleged to have sustained various degrees of injury as a result of the clash.

Chief Executive of Accra Hearts of Oak, Tommy Okine and one Nii Okaija, are both laying claim to the Gbese stool and both of them have already been installed chiefs by their respective factions.

According to Joy News correspondent, Alex Mensah, the police have managed to bring the situation under control while those who suffered injuries are seeking medical attention at the Korle-Bu Hospital and nearby clinics.

The police have been patrolling the area since last week after the vandalisation of one of the contestants’ palace.