Friends and family of the three men shot on Camp Hill over the Christmas holiday were urged not to seek retaliation over the attacks.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney spoke out against the crimes, advising anyone with information to pass it on to the police.

"I deplore the surge of violence over the two-day holiday," he said in a press release issued yesterday. "My thoughts and sympathy, and those of my own family, go out to the families of those who were killed and injured."

A 24-year-old Pembroke man was shot in the shoulder while visiting the Southampton neighbourhood on Christmas Day. He is said to be in a stable, but not life-threatening condition, at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH).

Two shootings followed on Boxing Day ¿ a 30-year-old Southampton man, named last night as Aquil Richardson, was shot and killed while a 25-year-old Warwick man is recuperating at KEMH after he was shot in the lower part of his body. The incidents are believed to be gang-related.

Sir Richard, who moved to the island only weeks ago to replace former Governor John Vereker, called on residents to use the proper channels in order to bring the assailants to justice.

"Any thoughts of revenge should be dismissed," he said. "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."

Officers have reported a number of people were in the Camp Hill area at the time of the Christmas Day shooting. There are currently no suspects for either incident, both of which are under investigation by a team of 25 officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit along with the Intelligence Unit and the Forensic Support Unit.

David Burch, Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, said in a statement from overseas: "I have been briefed about a series of disturbances over the Christmas period and as such I want to assure the public that the Bermuda Police Service have committed resources to fully investigating these incidents with a view to bringing the culprits to justice.

"I am deeply disturbed by these incidents, particularly at this most holy of Christian holidays.

"I ask that all parents make a special effort to engage their young people to ensure no further incidents. I shall seek an early briefing from the police as it relates to this matter upon my return."

Anyone with information about the shootings should contact police on 299-4323 or on the anonymous CrimeSteppers hotline, 1-800-623-8477.