News of pistols at dawn in Court Street came as a blow to traders who have been trying to revive the area.

Shopkeepers greeted the news with a mixture of surprise, indifference and disappointment.

Caribbean Food Market manager Trevor Waite said: "It's getting too close now.

"You wonder how these guns get into these guys hands. Maybe they have been here but it seems like now people are ready to use them.

"I try to be very careful. The drugs situation is getting worse. Do I fear for my safety? I sure as hell do."

He said those loitering on the corners when he closed his shop late at night were still there when he returned early the next morning.

"Those guys are out there 24 hours a day."

Shopworker Michael Knight of Connections Boutique was stunned when he heard the news.

"You hear about it but you don't really think it happens."

Mr. Knight, who has worked in the area for years, said: "We are trying to make things better and business is improving. This area could be booming.

"Over the past year I was surprised about the people coming here to poke around and do shopping.

"This is making it worse and pulling things down for everybody."

However, one shop worker said: "I am not surprised. People have got guns now. It doesn't phase me as long as they don't come into my personal space."