Detectives are determined to track down patrons of a Pembroke sports club who could help solve a shooting nearby.

A 21-year-old man was shot in the leg around 7.15 p.m on Sunday in the vicinity of Pembroke Park Lane and St. John's Road, near the Western Stars Sports Club.

He remained in hospital yesterday afternoon, and no arrests had been made. His name has not been released by the Police.

A press release issued on behalf of the Serious Crime Unit yesterday said: "We are aware that several patrons were inside Western Stars Sports Club when the incident occurred, and we urge those persons to come forward. Police officers have received CCTV footage from the sports club and as a matter of course, officers will be identifying persons who were on the premises at the time. It is imperative that members of the public come forward to assist in breaking this cycle of violence."

Detectives also wish to speak with anyone who saw the riders of a white motorcycle or scooter in the areas of East Park Lane, West Park, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Lane, St. John's Road, and Western Stars Sports Club. They believe it was involved in the shooting.

The latest victim is the sixth man to have been shot since December 5. Four of them died. Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva admitted yesterday that the current era is "the worst in Bermuda's history" for gun attacks.

He told members of Hamilton Rotary Club yesterday afternoon: "In the first 11 days of this year, we have had three confirmed reports and eight unconfirmed.

"What's more alarming is the nature that they have been used. In terms of fatalities and injuries, in 2008, we reported one injury. In 2009, 13 injuries and four fatalities making 17. That is a massive and scary increase."

Yesterday's press release about the Sunday shooting said: "The Serious Crime Unit is confident that there are persons in the community that have specific information that can break this cycle of violence, such as the location of weapons, and specific information that would assist investigators in bringing these offenders to justice.

"The Bermuda Police Service challenges those individuals who may know anything to make a difference to the future of this Island, and we encourage them to provide any information that may assist."

Anyone with information should call the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115, the confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hot line on 800-8477 or send an anonymous tip to the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website at www.crimestoppers.bm.