Top-level talks were held yesterday about the fatal shooting of Aquil Richardson and the gunning down of two other men over Christmas.

New Governor Sir Richard Gozney met with Police Commissioner George Jackson, Assistant Commissioner Carlton Adams and Acting Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Nelson Bascome to discuss the spate of attacks.

Acting Premier Paula Cox joined Sir Richard and community leaders from the Southampton neighbourhood where the shootings took place in calling for an end to the outbreak of violence that has left the Island reeling.

She also reassured residents that tough measures are being taken to address it, saying in a statement: "While saddened and repulsed by the recent tragic and violent events, the Government will be further emboldened to continue to take the necessary action so that despite the recent shootings, Bermuda continues to be a place where there is law and good order. The vast majority of our population is made up of law-abiding citizens.

"The continued good name of Bermuda as our home and jurisdiction of choice for both tourism and international business requires that we make every effort to safeguard Bermuda's residents and to apprehend those whose violent actions do a disservice to Bermuda.

"The people of Bermuda should know that the Commissioner and officers of the Bermuda Police Service are using all of their efforts to see to it that criminals are brought to justice. My heart and prayers are with the family that has lost a loved one."

Asked for a comment from Premier Ewart Brown, his Press Secretary Glenn Jones said Ms Cox's statement was on behalf of the Premier's office.

Sir Richard said: "I deplore the surge of violence over the two-day holiday. My thoughts and sympathy, and those of my own family, go out to the families of those who were killed and injured.

"Any thoughts of revenge should be dismissed. I urge anyone with any relevant information to use the Police hotline. I shall certainly remain in close touch with the Police Commissioner and the Government."

Mark Pettingill, the United Bermuda Party MP who represents Warwick West, on the fringe of the area where the shootings took place, said: "People are just saddened and horrified and so they should be.

"My appeal is to these young men to stop this madness. They all must have families that they care about and they have to show some compassion.

"This to my mind has the element of revenge attack. It has all the hallmarks of something related to gang violence. An eye for any eye makes the world go blind.

"One day a stray bullet could hit a child or innocent person. Some of these weapons today are quite high powered. They can go through doors, walls, all kinds of things. It only takes a child to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or a ricochet."

Marc Bean, the Progressive Labour Party's candidate for Southampton West Central at last week's General Election, said: "The most important thing now is for all concerned to find some space of peace.

"My heart goes out to the families concerned from the latest shootings and the families who have had experience in the past. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes the past to the general public."