Police have implored witnesses to the recent shooting incidents to come forward or risk endangering the public further.

Detective Chief Inspector Antoine Daniels, head of the Serious Crime Unit, held a press conference yesterday asking people who saw these crimes unfold to cooperate with Police.

Nine arrests have been made so far but Police are relying on witness accounts to bring those involved in the shootings of May 22 and 23 to justice.

"In the past two weeks alone several witness statements containing critical information have been recorded," Det. Daniels said.

"However, there are also a number of residents that have refused or are reluctant to assist Police with investigations into these criminal acts, although they were clearly present and are aware of the suspect's identity.

"For example, the shootings which occurred on Court Street were observed by a number of people in the area who clearly saw the entire incident and have intimated this much to Police. But when asked to provide a witness statement they declined, stating that they are not getting involved."

He added that CCTV footage from the Court Street shootings clearly shows activity in the area at the time, but many witnesses in the vicinity are still unwilling to speak to Police.

Det. Daniels told members of the press that a combination of factors including fear, denial and empathy with gang culture had contributed to this reluctance of witnesses to come forward.

He said that while he is not inclined to 'name and shame' reluctant witnesses just yet, that time may come.

"I don't want to name anyone, but I think it's about time we start shaming some people," he said. "We may come to that. But we haven't reached that place yet."

Det. Daniels also told the media about new Police intelligence suggesting that Bermuda's gangs have started infiltrating one another. It is believed that the same group involved in the St. Monica's Road and Court Street shootings were also involved in the recent St. David's gang riot in early May.

He added, though, that it may be premature to discuss enacting any sort of gang-related legislation in Bermuda, saying: "I'm not really convinced that we have hardcore gangs in Bermuda."

Det. Daniels noted that all areas of the Island that have been subject to recent gang violence are being patrolled by police officers, who are a "consistent, round the clock presence".

He said, however, that the Police will not succeed without the cooperation of the public.

"As I have stated many times before Police cannot work in isolation, and as a result I am imploring those people who witnessed any of the two shooting incidents to contact investigators," he said. "The reality of the situation is that as a community we are all in far more danger if witnesses continue to remain silent. "

He thanked all witnesses who have come forward to assist with the investigation, which had seen nine arrests made as of press time. Det. Daniels said that investigators anticipate further arrests in the near future.

Anyone who has any information, whether they believe it to be significant or not, is asked to telephone 299-8115 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-623-8477.