Police stopped and searched more than 50 people after getting information “that there was potential for gun activity” in the western parishes, it emerged today.

In a statement this morning, a Police spokesman said they were tipped off that there may be trouble at two events.

A spokesman said: “On Friday night Police received specific information that there was the potential for gun activity in the western parishes of Bermuda, specifically at events in Southampton and Paget.

“As a result, Police invoked section 315F of the Criminal Code and 54 people were stopped or searched with seven individuals arrested for drugs and or warrants.”

The spokesman added: “On Saturday there was also specific information that violence would take place at an event in St. George’s and Police once again enacted section 315F of the Criminal Code.

“One man was arrested for drugs and one man was arrested for possessing a bladed article. We would like to thank members of the public for working with the Police and giving us critical information. We can only effectively Police our island when the community takes an active role in the partnership.”

Under Section 315F of the Criminal Code, Police can conduct searches in specific areas where they anticipate violence or the use of bladed or pointed articles.

* See tomorrow’s Royal Gazette for the full story.