Bermudian United Nations security officer Jeff Baron was not injured in yesterday's bombing in Kosovo.

Reuters news agency reported that early yesterday morning a powerful blast ripped through several shops in Pristina, killing two people and injuring nine others.

Reports have indicated that the blast was probably a showdown between criminal gangs and not related to the political tensions in the area.

Mr. Baron, a security manager at the United Nations' headquarters in Pristina, sent word to The Royal Gazette that he had not been injured after receiving several emails and calls from concerned Bermudians.

"I'm in good health and subsequently busy as a result of the bombing in Pristina," he said.

"It's still quite hectic here as these incidents make for spacious crime scenes which can be difficult to manage.

"The fact that the bombing occurred in the city centre only exacerbates this.

"The UN is working with Kosovo Police Service and NATO to restore normality back in the city and is making speedy progress.

"This serves as another reminder of the circumstances of my employment within the United Nations Field Security.

"My team remains professional under these circumstances and will continue our efforts in the Pristina region."

The bombing took place at 2 a.m. Kosovo time and destroyed several shops, cafés and a burger bar, scattering chairs and glass across Pristina's Bill Clinton Boulevard.

At press time Police did not say what type of explosive was used.

"Police are not ruling out anything, but it seems it is more likely related to crime," police spokesman Veton Elshani told Reuters.

Mr. Baron was a Sergeant in the Public Order, Officer Safety and Fire Arms Department in Bermuda before taking a job with the United Nations in February.