Two men were taken to hospital yesterday after shots were fired in broad daylight on Friswell's Hill.

Police taped off an area of Friswell's Road, Pembroke, where multiple shots were reportedly fired yesterday at around 5.30 p.m.

A red and black motorcycle and two helmets were seen lying in the middle of the taped-off area. It is believed the 22-year-old victims were riding the bike when someone opened fire on them.

One man, who lives only a few houses away from the shooting, said he heard the shots, but dismissed them as the sound of a bike backfiring.

"I was watching TV and I heard a bike go by. Right after that, I heard bang, bang. Two shots. I thought the bike was just backfiring."

A Police spokesman confirmed that two men were injured, but could not confirm their identities or the extent of their injuries.

He also would not say how many people may have been involved in the shooting, saying: "We are still in the very early stages of this investigation."

Neighbours and passers-by stood watch yesterday as officers began their investigation into the incident.

One man, who asked not to be named, said he was driving past when he saw the flashing lights of the Police vehicles. "We had one miracle this weekend, and then this. They say criminals never sleep."

At least 20 people have been injured by gunfire already this year, and seven men have been killed.

l Anyone with any information in connection with this incident should contact the Police at 295-0011.