Police have launched a murder investigation after a 30-year-old man was shot dead in Pembroke on Friday evening.

The victim, who was last night named by police as Morlan Steede, was shot by a man on a motorcycle on One Way Deepdale at about 9.40pm.

He made his way down on to Parson’s Road where he collapsed.

Mr Steede was rushed to hospital by ambulance and treated for gunshot injuries to the upper torso.

But he was later pronounced dead.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said: “The male on the motorcycle came down the hill and discharged his firearm. This resulted in a 30-year-old man being taken to hospital. Sadly, he has succumbed to his injuries.

“A family liaison has been assigned to the family and an investigation into the murder has commenced under the direction of Inspector Michael Redfern.”

Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit as well as the Forensic Support Unit processed the crime scene. Officers also closed Parson’s Road between The Glebe Road and Deepdale Road.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, extended his condolences to Mr Steede’s family and friends.

“Any loss of life in such a violent way is truly tragic,” he said. “As it relates to this shooting death, what was so disheartening was the fact that there were several young people who witnessed the incident.

“I have been briefed about the ongoing investigation by the Bermuda Police Service and I have spent much of today and last night in the area lending my support and comfort to those affected.

“The Ministry of National Security also worked to coordinate assistance for those in the neighbourhood, by providing counselling services by our Crisis Coordinated Response Team. An area church was used as the community hub to offer support and grief counselling.”

He added: “Sadly, this has been the 35th shooting death since 2009. This is deeply concerning. But we will not live in fear. Those committing these acts of violence will be held accountable.

“I am urging anyone with information about last night’s shooting incident to please assist the police in their investigation. Please help us by doing your part in taking back our communities and neighbourhoods affected by gang and gun violence.”

Jeff Baron, shadow minister of national security, said: “Such a tragic event for the family and for our community. I’ve had the victims family on my mind and my heart since the shooting.

“And the ugly side of today’s digital world is that the imagines and videos of the scene spread across the island just as quickly as word of the shooting.

“And what we see and hear is traumatic. It proves again that violence impacts our entire island — especially historically harmed communities like this one.”

Anyone with information on the shooting should contact police on 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.