Police are braced for a wave of retribution following the Spinning Wheel Night Club double shooting.

Senior officers have already linked a robbery and assault to Sunday morning's incident -- described as "drug-related''.

Yesterday Acting Police Commissioner Alex Forbes warned people against taking the law into their own hands.

"We have had some incidents that suggest people may be attempting to take their own retribution.'' Meanwhile, Mr. Forbes disclosed a probe had been launched into the running of the Court Street nightclub.

A report could be handed to the chairman of the Liquor Licensing Authority.

Mr. Forbes' comments came yesterday during a plea for people to continue feeding Police with information.

Six youths had so far been arrested following tip-offs -- and five were still in custody, he said.

"We expect in the near future that charges will be laid. I can confirm the incident does appear to be drug-related.'' One of those being quizzed by Police was the suspected gunman who pumped five bullets from close-range into 19-year-old Ian DeSilva immons. The youngster was last night still in "critical'' condition in hospital.

The gunman also shot 16-year-old Jermaine Lovell in the hand.

It is understood the suspect is a 23-year-old Smith's Parish man arrested shortly after the shooting.

Mr. Forbes did not reveal how many shots were fired, and what type of gun had been used.

The man heading the "high profile'' investigation, Acting Chief Inspector Jonathan Smith, backed Mr. Forbes' appeal for witnesses.

He urged people who were in Spinning Wheel's upper bar area when the shooting took place to come forward.

"I also appeal to the associates of the victims to assist us.'' It was shortly before 2 a.m. pandemonium erupted at the club when a man began blazing away with handgun.

The teenagers -- Mr. DeSilva immons bleeding heavily from wounds to his neck and chest -- were helped outside the premises by customers.

Moments later, an angry 700-strong mob torched a Subaru in the parking lot opposite the club.

The Royal Gazette received reports the car was destroyed as an act of retribution over the shooting.

At yesterday's Press conference Mr. Forbes went no further than saying Police thought the fire-bombing was "directly related'' to the shooting.

But he added: "It would appear the car that was torched belonged to one of the persons in custody.'' Mr. Forbes went on to stress Police were making every effort to combat crime.

"With regard to Hallowe'en I want the public to be aware that we will have massive Police patrols on the street with the intention of preventing breaches of the peace or any other illegal activities and to facilitate the proper celebration of Hallowe'en by in particular young people in the community.

"We are prepared for any eventuality and prepared to deal with any incidents that might occur.'' Mr. Forbes said a special squad or Task Force -- which had been "active'' in the summer -- was being reformed to probe firearms in Bermuda.

Police ready for retaliation Headed by Chief Insp. Winston Esdaille, it would set out to "collate information'' on illegal weapons.

Mr. Forbes admitted there was a public perception about an increase in firearms, believed to be smuggled here on cargo ships running between Bermuda and New Jersey and New York.

He released figures on firearms' seizures over the last seven years.

Twenty-two guns had so far been seized this year, compared to 21 in 1993, 17 in 1992, nine in 1991, 16 in 1990, 11 in 1989, and 20 in 1988.

"These seizures include toy guns that may have been used in the commission of offences.

"Included in this year's seizure are four toy guns -- the highest number of toy guns seized.'' Mr. Forbes also announced an investigation was being carried out into the "handling or running'' of the Spinning Wheel.

"When the investigation is complete I may be in a position to pass on a report to the chairman of the Liquor Licensing Authority.'' The Spinning Wheel's current liquor licence -- believed to have no conditions attached to it -- is thought to expire next March.

In 1993, the club had its licence renewed over Police objections.

Police told the authority there had been a long list of assaults, thefts, and other incidents at the club.

Spinning Wheel manager Mr. Gladwyn Ming told the hearing he controlled the premises as best he could.

Authority chairman the Wor. Will Francis said: "It is the unanimous position of this tribunal that the operation of this club calls for more management personnel than just Mr. Ming, who in our opinion is a very fine person who we feel should remain in over-all control but who needs an assistant manager.'' He laid down the condition there should be at least two managers and two security people on duty between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., and a manager or security person stationed at each entrance between those hours.

The club was required to report on breaches of the peace, incidents of drug abuse, or use of offensive weapons to the Police, and post signs advising customers of that.

It was also told to post signs advising that no alcohol consumption by anyone under 18 was allowed on the premises.

POLICE POL