BERMUDA brought in the New Year in peaceful fashion compared to last year, as police reported seven arrests and a handful of minor disturbances.

But police are to investigate the sudden death of man whose body was found in his home just moments into 2004.

The Bermuda Police Service was satisfied that its high-profile operation to prevent any repeat of the gang violence seen on Front Street last year seemed to have the desired effect.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said yesterday: "We are tremendously pleased that, a) the public heeded our message to be vigilant and smart and, b) that getting police officers out there in numbers served as a deterrent to anyone who intended to cause trouble.

"Overall, it was a relatively uneventful night, if we use last year as a comparison. There were seven arrests.

"At peak hours on New Year's Eve, we had more than 150 officers on duty in areas that had the highest numbers of people celebrating ? Front Street, St. George's and Devonshire Recreation Club."

Police quickly dealt with two incidents at Devonshire Rec. Firstly two men came off Devon Lane and ran across the sports field towards the club, apparently intent on causing trouble. Police scared them away.

But later there was a fight at the same venue, which was broken up without arrests.

Another fight took place at King Street in Hamilton, near the fire station. Two women were arrested.

A 54-year-old man died suddenly on New Year's Eve at his home in Market Lane, Pembroke. He was discovered at one minute past midnight by a friend. Emergency medical teams went to the house and the man was pronounced dead.

Police say a pathologist will fly in today to verify the cause of death.

Overall, police were well satisfied to avoid repeats of last year's violence. Labour & Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton and Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith spearheaded a publicity drive this week and pledged to put police out in force and deal swiftly with troublemakers.