The year is not yet halfway through but there have already been 92 reports of gunfire matching the figure for the whole of 2009.

The latest victim is Frederick Maybury, a 34-year-old plumber shot dead at a Sandys bar early yesterday.

Mr. Maybury's death marks the sixth gun murder of the year so far, while a further 12 people have been injured.

That compares to a total of four men killed by gunfire last year and 13 people injured.

Updating the public on the statistics yesterday, Police said 29 confirmed gun incidents have taken place this year, including the deaths and injuries. A further 63 have been reported but not confirmed by injuries or evidence from the scene, bringing the overall figure to 92.

The same number of reported incidents 92 was recorded for the whole of 2009. Of those, 42 were confirmed and 50 unconfirmed.

Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Wright said yesterday: "I acknowledge and share the concern felt throughout our community about the current frequency of gun crime. The top priority of the Bermuda Police Service is making Bermuda safer and I know the community is well informed on the seriousness of the current crime problems and strongly supports the role that the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service are performing.

"There has been a very positive response from the community to the recent court appearances of multiple defendants charged with murder, attempted murder and other firearms offences. However, these encouraging signs of progress will be of little comfort to Mr. Maybury's family and friends and to others personally affected by the senseless violence. I appeal to all of those caught up in the escalation of violence for calm and restraint."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "I am saddened by what sounds to have been yet another targeted murder by shooting in Bermuda. My heart goes out to the man's family.

"I think that in five of the shootings which have marred and appalled Bermuda since May 2009, suspects have now been charged to court. In the one trial that has already taken place the suspect was convicted.

"The shooters do not seem to be listening to the voices in the community urging them to see sense, but perhaps they will watch and draw a lesson as a series of their peers face justice in the Supreme Court."

Sir Richard was referring to the conviction last month of 26-year-old Smith's resident Cervio Cox. He loaned his car to alleged gangsters who used it as the getaway vehicle in a triple shooting on Court Street, Pembroke, in May 2009. Cox was convicted by a jury and sentenced to seven years in jail.

Meanwhile, two men are currently facing charges of committing gun murders. Antonio Myers, 25, stands accused of killing 30-year-old Kumi Harford on St. Monica's Road, Pembroke, on December 5 2009. Kevin Warner, 20, is accused of killing 24-year-old Demiko Martin in Peacock Crescent, Sandys last month.

Neither man has yet been required to enter a plea and their cases are working their way through the court system.

The other murders so far this year, where no-one has been charged, are those of:

l Perry Puckerin, 32, who was shot dead at Hamilton Parish Workmen's Club on January 3

l James Lawes, 26, who died on March 20 after being shot outside Place's Place bar in Dundonald Street the day before. Two others were injured.

l Kimwandae Walker, 35, who was shot dead in front of his children during a family fun day on Good Friday, April 2, at Victor Scott Primary School.

l George Lynch, 40, who was gunned down outside a house in Midland Heights Crescent, Hamilton Parish, on May 5.

Meanwhile, seven men are currently facing charges over four recent non-fatal shootings. Allegations they face include attempted murder and gun possession. Those incidents are:

l The shooting of Shane Minors and Renee Kuchler at the Southside Cinema, St. David's, last November

l The shooting at Raymond Rawlins on Court Street, Pembroke, last December

l The shooting of Nathan Darrell in Kitchener Close, Sandys, in February

l The shooting of Shawn Williams at the Royal Artillery Association club in St. George's in April.