Premier Alex Scott visited The Swizzle yesterday as Police continued to probe last Thursday?s ride-by shooting outside the South Shore pub.

In a clear sign of the severity of an incident that shocked the Warwick community, Mr. Scott was joined by Public Safety Minister Randy Horton, as Government moved to reassure management and staff at the venue that everything was being done to catch the culprits.

Nobody had been arrested last night in connection with the shooting in which an 18-year-old was hit in the upper chest/arm area, although Police said several people were helping with the investigation. It is thought the attack was part of a turf war between rival gangs, and Police patrols were stepped up over the weekend amid concerns about retaliation.

Following his surprise visit to the Swizzle, Mr. Scott said: ?This Government has zero tolerance for crimes of this nature and such a heinous and cowardly act must not go unpunished. I was particularly disturbed that the offender committed such an act in such close proximity of a crowded venue full of locals and visitors. I want to assure our residents, visitors and the owner that I have instructed the Minister of Labour to use every resource available to find these individuals and bring them to justice.?

Swizzle owner Jay Correia said Mr. Scott and Mr. Horton offered the venue their full support during the visit. He added: ?They said they were doing everything possible to bring the crime to a conclusion. They basically gave me some words of encouragement and let me know that they were as concerned about it as I was.?

Mr. Correia said that the meeting was encouraging ? and added he was pleased the Premier and Minister took time out to drop in.

He said no update was given on the Police investigation, but added that Mr. Scott was complimentary about the new pub and its established sister venue in Hamilton Parish.

Mr. Correia said, despite the shooting near the venue, business had been strong over the weekend.

?Many of the locals that are our customers have expressed their sadness about what happened and came to lend their support. ?I was quite pleased by the response. It has been strong.?

The owner also spoke of his shock and concern about the nearby shooting. ?My first thought was for my staff and customers. Fortunately none of them were hurt.?reported on Saturday how security would be stepped up at the site. And Mr. Correia added: ?We are taking all steps we can to see it does not happen again.

?We are pleased with the reaction we have had and we hope to put this behind us as quickly as possible.?

Police yesterday confirmed that ?several individuals? were helping with inquiries into last week?s shooting at the junction of South Road and Dunscombe Road.

Sources have raised fears that if the shooting stemmed from a clash between town and country gangs then witnesses are likely to stay silent, making the chances of arrests slim.

No arrests have been made after a triple shooting on Court Street in April when an attacker opened fire in Swinging Doors nightclub, injuring three people.

Witnesses should call Chief Insp. Tracy Adams on 299-4315 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 1-800-623-8477.