Shooting victim Nathan Darrell remained in intensive care yesterday, as community leaders reacted with concern to the latest episode of violence.

Mr. Darrell, 23, was gunned down outside his home in Kitchener Close, Sandys, around 2.15 a.m on Saturday. He suffered multiple wounds to his body.

Police have not revealed any information about the circumstances or possible motive. They stated on Sunday that a 31-year-old man from Sandys had been arrested, but declined requests for an update yesterday. Mr. Darrell's family also declined to speak to the media.

A hospital spokeswoman said the victim a striker for the Ireland Rangers football club was in a stable condition.

The shooting was the second in Sandys this month. The previous, in the early hours of February 3, saw a 24-year-old Somerset man shot in the hand by two men on a motorcycle as he rode in the opposite direction along Scott's Hill Road.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney described both incidents as "attempted murders" when he spoke about the latest spate of violence over the weekend.

Adding his voice to the concerns yesterday, Mr. Darrell's constituency MP Michael Scott said he'd spoken with Mr. Darrell's aunt, whom he lives with, and is concerned about the family.

"I was concerned certainly for Mr Darrell's well-being and his surviving and recovery following his being the victim of multiple gun wounds, and I was equally concerned for his aunt and the impact and mental stress on her of such a traumatic event occurring so close to home," he explained.

Mr. Scott encouraged anyone with information to contact the Police.

A total of 17 people were shot last year, four of whom were killed. In addition to the two Sandys shootings so far this year, another young man was shot and injured in Pembroke on January 10 and Perry Puckerin was shot dead at Hamilton Parish Workmen's Club on January 4.

Speaking out yesterday, Shadow Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley said: "It's very disturbing that we as a community are seeing these things happen. It affects us all. We are a small society and it will affect all of us. Unless we stem the tide of violence it will continue to escalate."

He warned that although the violence in Bermuda has not really hit the international headlines yet, the Island can ill afford to be like other Caribbean countries that saw their tourism product slip because of gun violence.

"We don't need that to be the same in Bermuda. I think we are close to the tipping point and its going to start getting noticed," he said. "We continue to need to support the Police in what they need to do. People know what's going on and they need to speak up. We need to stop protecting people."

Mark Pettingill of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance said: "We must continue to support the Police and the Government with regard to new gang initiatives and legislation. It is essential that we do not become complacent with this level of violence in Bermuda. We must be determined to prevent a small group of thugs from irrevocably damaging the reputation of our Island as a peaceful place with comparatively low crime.

"I strongly urge all Bermudians to continue the fight, have the courage to report criminal activity and get involved with community initiatives. Together we must find a better way."

• Anyone with information about the shooting of Nathan Darrell should call the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115 or Crime Stoppers Bermuda's confidential 24 hour hot line on 800-8477. Anonymous tips can be sent via their website at www.crimestoppers.bm.