Three men remained in custody last night over the Christmas shooting spree, as Police issued a further appeal for help.

Aquil Richardson, 30, was murdered in Camp Hill, Southampton, on Boxing Day evening with Levar Smith, 25, shot in the legs in the same incident.

Jakai Harford, 24, was shot in the shoulder in Camp Hill in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Ten men have been arrested in connection with the violence, and a Police spokesman said last night: "Three men are currently in custody assisting Police with their inquiries into the Christmas and Boxing Day shootings.

"Officers investigating these matters have received many calls from members of the public offering information regarding the shootings. As a result, several lines of inquiry are being followed up.

"While the Bermuda Police Service is pleased with the cooperation of the community so far, we would like to encourage those individuals with relevant information about the Christmas and Boxing Day shootings, particularly eyewitnesses to these events, to make an official Police statement."

Roadblocks were set up across the Island on New Year's Eve with people and vehicles searched in a bid to deter further violence. The Reserve Police were also called upon to support regular officers.

The spokesman said: "The Bermuda Police Service was kept busy during the night of December 31 and into the morning of January 1 with various calls for service. However, no major incidents were reported to Police during the period."

Speaking ahead of the new year celebrations, Minister of Home Affairs David Burch said Police are currently taking a zero tolerance approach to all crime — with further measures planned for the New Year.

He also called upon family members to turn in relatives they suspect of criminal involvement, before the authorities track them down.

"I am calling upon all adults in this country – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbours – to stand up and be counted and take the necessary steps now to engage your young people who you suspect of being involved in illegal activity," he urged on Monday.

Asked if he believed family members were sheltering those responsible for the Christmas shootings, Sen. Burch said: "Clearly there is by the lack of information, and my plea there is there's no point in coming to the court after they've been charged and saying 'my baby's innocent.'

"That's a little late in the game and whilst there's going to be a fair amount of criticism of us and the Police with this crackdown, I can tell you from a Government point of view there will be no back down."

He added: "Law abiding citizens have expressed their view that enough is enough and they want tough action from the authorities. I can confirm that we in Government have heard that plea and that is precisely what is planned. Early in the New Year I shall share with the public what some of those new actions will be."

Anyone with information about the shootings should call 299-4323 or the confidential 24 hour Crime Stoppers Hotline on 1-800-623-8477.