Man gunned down in Southampton (Update 2 with photos)

A man was shot to death in Southampton last night.

Around 10:45pm on Wednesday, police received reports of gunshots in the Riviera Crescent, Southampton area.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro said: "On attendance in the area they found a 29-year-old male inside a residence suffering from gunshot wounds."

The man was taken to  King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he has been declared dead.

Mr Pedro added: "A full murder enquiry is underway by officers from the Serious Crime Unit of the Bermuda Police Service and information will be forthcoming in the near future."

Governor George Fergusson was appalled by the shooting.

He said: "I am horrified and deeply saddened by the murder of a young man in Southampton last night. I feel for the devastation which his family and friends will be suffering. Everyone was painfully aware that the lull in gun murders, while welcome, might not be permanent. But I urge the community to work together to discourage young people from getting involved in violence.

"And, please, anyone with information about this tragedy should contribute by passing it to the Police or the confidential Crimestoppers line."

Premier Craig Cannonier said "I was deeply shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the shooting death of the young man last night in Southampton.  The violent loss of life is always tragic, but even more so, when it is a young life.  I know that the police are woking feverishly to get a clearer understanding of what took place and that the details will be forthcoming.  In the meanwhile, I urge my fellow Bermudians to offer a prayer and to show support to the family and friends of the deceased as they face the enormity of this tragic event ". 

Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Scott said: "Another senseless death from gun violence and another reminder that we have far to go towards bringing a final end to the shootings and the death on our streets.  With every life we lose, the potential for the victim to grow, change and make a positive contribution to our island is shattered. Bermuda cannot afford to keep losing our young Bermudian men to gun violence.

"To the family of the victim, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party offers our prayers and sympathy. It is our fervent hope that you will be consoled and comforted at this terrible time and that the perpetrators are swiftly captured, convicted and punished to the full extent of the law."