Elements of a police response that were caught on camera and circulated over social media were a part of standard protocol, police assured the public.

Antoine Daniels, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, added that the attempted home invasion tied to the response did not reflect a broader rise in criminal activity.

“We understand how incidents, particularly when shared widely online, can heighten fear and concern,” Mr Daniels said. “At this time, there is no indication that this was a random act.”

Mr Daniels was speaking after video clips of an attempted burglary in Hamilton Parish, which happened only half an hour into the new year, were circulated online.

The assistant police commissioner acknowledged that patrol officers were deployed to the residence while a control room officer remained on the phone with the person reporting the incident.

He said the ongoing communication did not delay police response but helped it.

He explained: “Speaking with victims and callers in real time is a critical part of the police response.

“These conversations are designed to gather as much accurate information as possible, such as descriptions, location details and immediate risks to ensure responding patrol officers receive the most appropriate and timely information.”

A police spokesman earlier said that it appeared one of the individuals involved may have been injured by an occupant during the home invasion.

He added that none of the residents appeared to have been injured.

Videos of the incident had been circulated around social media, which prompted police to ask the public not to pass on any clips, as doing so could jeopardise the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident was urged to call Detective Sergeant Seymour Foote on 717-2282 or by e-mailing sfoote@bps.bm.

Witnesses can also contact the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-TIPS (8477) or a trusted police officer.