A 22-year-old Pembroke man was shot “multiple times” in a daylight attack in the heart of St George’s that police are treating as gang related.

The victim, who had been working on a trenching job on York Street, was shot at 2.45pm yesterday across from the Somers Gardens park.

He was taken by private vehicle to the hospital and treated for injuries not believed by police to be life threatening.

Two suspects who fled the scene on a motorcycle evaded a police chase in the area of Paynters Road in Hamilton Parish, where a manhunt followed.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels said he had spoken with the victim as he passed by yesterday morning.

“That is what makes this shooting eerie,” Mr Daniels said, appealing for the public to help in quelling “gang tensions” in the community.

He said the attack came in “broad daylight, openly on the street”, adding: “These young men will go to any length to get at each other.

“We really need to take stock of what’s happening right now in our small community and put some measures in place.”

The suspects, who were spotted and pursued by police as they left St George’s, drove a dark-coloured motorcycle with no licence plate.

The rider wore a white helmet while the pillion passenger was described as light brown-skinned with "a thick moustache and a colourful jacket".

Police commissioner Stephen Corbishley said: “The BPS is taking this incident seriously and continues to monitor current gang tensions.

“Someone knows who the perpetrators are.

“I urge those that can assist in bringing the offenders to justice to come forward and assure that any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Renee Ming, the Minister of National Security, said: “Regrettably we had a firearms incident in the midst of our Country's fight against the latest Covid-19 outbreak.

“My thoughts are with the victim, his family and everyone who has been impacted by this act of anti-social behaviour. Gun violence has no place in our neighbourhoods, and this incident is extremely concerning, particularly because our people are already weary and anxious at having to deal with the current pandemic challenges we face.

“The public can be reassured that the Gang Violence Reduction Team is available to offer assistance,” she said. "As a community cannot allow senseless acts of violence to become our norm; we are better together.”

George Dowling III, the Mayor of St George, said at the scene: “I am shocked and appalled that this has taken place in our town. I’d ask anyone with information to come forward and reach out to the police to help bring the individuals to justice.”

Roadside cameras were visible in the area of the shooting. Mr Dowling said CCTV monitoring was handled by police.

The shooting occurred outside a popular park close to the centre of the Olde Towne that Mr Dowling said was not associated with violence.

He added: “Certainly not that I can recall in my adult life.”

Mr Daniels said the “tragic situation” was troubling in a community already dealing with a medical and economic crisis.

Asking for witnesses to contact police, he said: “I am reaching out to everyone’s conscience.”

Any witnesses or members of the public with details are urged to call the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739, or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline, 800-8477.