The Opposition asked Government to re-think its plans for the future after the latest attack on two officers who were left unconscious on Saturday night in Sandys Parish.

And it demanded the whole community unite to end the violence which has shaken the Island.

Shadow Minister for Delegated Affairs Mrs. Lois Browne Evans is concerned that the "trend of violence in the community is alarming and frightening to the citizens of Bermuda'', a statement said.

Mrs. Browne-Evans added an immediate and concerted effort should be made throughout the community to tackle the problem of violence and get at the root cause which appears to be Island-wide.

The four Sandys Members of Parliament P.L.P. Deputy Leader Mr. Walter Roberts, Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Eugene Cox, Shadow Transport Minister Mr. Dennis Lister and Mr. Walter Lister, issued a joint statement.

It stated: "The community has to send a clear message that violence is not the solution nor the remedy, as violence begets violence and it must not be tolerated.

"The only way crimes can be effectively reduced is if we all work together.

We must also ensure that the Police Service is equipped with the proper tools and numerically brought back up to its full complement, i.e. no more cutbacks.'' The MPs added that a good and happy community demands "a happy and effective'' Police service, with the necessary facilities made available so the Police can increase its community presence.

The statement continued: "The PLP is concerned at the mixed signals being given by those in authority when we change from an oversized Police service to an undersized Police service within a short space of years.

"We are also concerned at the signals that certain elements of the community are sending by their demonstration of disrespectful behaviour and contempt for law and good order in their community.

"We, the people of Bermuda have a right to expect this community to be as safe as is humanly possible -- anything else is unacceptable.'' In the Opposition Budget Reply, the PLP said: "...Although this year's Budget reflects an increase in their allocations -- albeit by a marginal sum.

"However, much remains to be done, not just increasing the number of parish constables, but reinstating and indeed increasing the number of Police cadet training placements which Government so ill-advisedly reduced last year.'' The statement called to Government to allocate the available resources in the most efficient and effective way.

THE FACE OF VIOLENCE -- Police have released these photographs of the two officers beaten unconscious by a gang of men on Saturday night on Scott's Hill Road, Sandys Parish. On the left is P.c. Dean Stanford and on the right is P.c. Pythagoras Santiago. Three Sandys men have been arrested since the attack. Police have asked anyone with information that could help the investigation to call Somerset Police Station at 234-1010.