A man was taken to hospital suffering from head injuries after an attack at a holiday weekend carnival event in the early hours of this morning.

According to police, the incident took place at about 4.15am at the Arboretum in Devonshire.

The Arboretum was due to host a Swizzle at Sunrise party as part of the carnival celebrations ahead of National Heroes Day.

Police did not reveal the victim’s condition or if his injuries are life-threatening.

A police spokesman said: “The incident occurred about 4.15am today in the parking lot of the Arboretum, where several young people gathered after attending a function in Pembroke.

“Although there were scores of people who witnessed the incident which resulted in one man being taken to hospital where he was attended to for multiple head and facial injuries, no one was willing to provide any information to police officers who responded to reports of the fracas.

“An investigation into this situation is now under way and police are appealing for anyone with any knowledge of what transpired, to please get in contact with us by calling 211, the main police number on 295 0011, or the confidential Crime Stoppers number on 800 8477.”

The spokesman added that video footage of the incident was being circulated on social-media websites.

He said: “The Bermuda Police Service are appealing to the public to not share a number of video clips which we are aware are being circulated and which show a number of young people engaging in antisocial behaviour at the Arboretum in Devonshire.

“We ask that, should you receive any of these, you delete them and not forward them.”

Michael Weeks, the national security minister, said yesterday that he was alarmed that witnesses to the event were not coming forward to the police.

He said: “While I am grateful that this didn't result in an unimaginable tragedy, it serves as a reminder that the prevalence of community violence remains a challenge, and the public can be assured that the Ministry of National Security and the Bermuda Police Service take this incident seriously.

“I am equally alarmed by reports that despite the presence of many people at the Arboretum at the time of this incident – no one came forward with information to assist the attending Police.

“I have said it before, and it is worth repeating: Police alone cannot solve this problem. Each of us, from parents, and neighbours to all residents, have a role to play.

“If people know something, they must share what they know. They must speak up and help the authorities. It is critical to helping us break this cycle of violence.”

Mr Weeks urged participants in holiday weekend activities to stay safe.