Innocent brothers of gangsters were yesterday warned to be on their guard by a community activist who says gunmen now see them as legitimate targets.

The grassroots worker told The Royal Gazette gang members have become increasingly indiscriminate about who they shoot as the cycle of retaliation has intensified.

He said boundaries have shifted in the past two months after one man was shot on account of being the brother of a main player, leading to a spate of revenge attacks.

And he said if the spiral continues in its current vein things could get even worse — with sisters, mothers and neighbours possible future targets.

"When you kill somebody from the other team you ignite emotions," said the source, who asked not to be named.

"They can't find you but they might be able to find someone else who isn't in the gang.

"If you are a brother of a known leader, you are already accepted as a legitimate target. All brothers of anyone directly involved should be on alert.

"As bad as it seems, trust me it can get ten times worse. As bad as that is, what's not happened so far is for sisters and children to be targeted. These things are a possibility. Instead of being reactionary, we have to stay alert and think about what has not happened yet.

"I predict if we don't get this violence under control in the next week or two this whole Island will come to a standstill. People from Somerset will not feel comfortable coming into town; even construction workers who aren't in gangs, because indiscriminately they are targeting men from a different area."

Urging people not to take matters into their own hands if their innocent loved ones are attacked, he continued: "If other people choose to enter into this fight — which I'm appealing that they do not — they all also put in jeopardy their relatives and neighbours."

This summer, Police said there were 17 gangs in Bermuda, involving about 350 people ranging in age from 12 to 35.

According to sources, the numbers remain roughly the same today but the dynamics have shifted, with Middletown and Parkside gangs teaming up against 42nd Crew and crews in the east and west.

The Town versus Country rivalry is said to be simmering in the background, with one source noting the Country gang is not actively pursuing targets.

"Country have shown remarkable restraint and they should be commended for taking the opportunity not to engage," said the source.

But he saw no end in sight for warring factions in the back-of-town, and warned life is now more dangerous than ever for its members.

"With the escalation of violence you don't really have the choice now," he said. "If you were in it before, you are in it. You don't have the opportunity to get out.

"There's no point saying 'I hung with those guys for two or three months', because that's not going to save you."

He advised gang members not to take risks, saying: "It's important for everyone affiliated that they know and understand where they go."

And he said of one recent victim who was shot while on enemy turf: "I could argue that young man did not deserve it, but maybe he should have been prepared based on the history. People need to start thinking ahead."