Police have announced a $10,000 reward for information on the brutal gunning-down of James Caines.

A Police spokesman said last night: "It's believed there are people who have information who haven't come forward.

"We think offering a reward will encourage those people to tell us what they know.'' Mr. Caines, 28, was blasted in the head last Saturday night as he was sitting in a house in Curving Lane, Pembroke.

Despite his injuries, the dying man managed to stagger hundreds of yards to his home in Union Street, also Pembroke, where he collapsed in the arms of his stunned mother, Sandra Cyrus.'' Ms Cyrus said later that her son had named his killer before he died. Three men were taken into custody in connection with the shooting, but were later released on Police bail.

The Police spokesman, however, denied the reward was a bid to kick-start a stalled investigation.

He said: "A reward has worked in other inquiries where very positive information has come to us and it's hoped the same will happen here.'' No-one from Mr. Caines' family could be contacted for comment last night.

But PLP MP Stanley Morton, who represents the area and visited Mr. Caines family to offer condolences, said he was pleased the Police were taking the ivestigation seriously.

He added: "The public can see the Police are being even-handed in their desire to catch the culprit.'' Mr. Morton said the he had spoken to Mr. Caines' family and people in the area after fears of trouble breaking out over the killing.

He added: "I am satisfied that everyone will leave it to the law to work its way towards justice.'' And he called for counselling to be offered to Mr. Caines' family members who were present when he collapsed and died outside his home.

Mr. Morton said: "It's a traumatic experience to see someone die in front of you, especially when it's your son. The family should get assistance.'' After the slaying on Saturday, Police insiders said they believed there was a drugs link to the killing.

An inquiry headed by Detective Chief Inspector Sinclair White is continuing.

Anyone with information which can help the inquiry should contact the special incident room on 299-4281.