For the brutal murder of teenager Rebecca Middleton near the town has cast a shadow over visitors' summer holidays -- especially for women.

And local residents said the town would be under a cloud until the killer -- or killers -- are brought to justice.

George Cook, manager of the White Horse Tavern in the town's Market Square, said: "Everybody's in shock -- it's really a tragedy that something like this has to happen to young people.

"You hear a lot of customers talking about it. A lot of them seem very worried about it and there's not much information we can give them about the Police investigation.

"There are definitely less people around and people who would go outside to get a cab will wait inside now.

"I'm worried myself -- I used to use a bike, but I'm going to take a cab home now. I just hope Police catch whoever did this soon.'' Becky, 17, was found in Ferry Road, around 3.30 a.m. on Wednesday morning by a passing motorist who called the police.

White Horse waitress Kathy Delgano, 23, from Devon, England, has only been on the Island for three months and lives near the murder scene.

Pall cast over St. George's "When I first got here I used to walk home by myself -- but not any more,'' she said. "The whole thing is very worrying. My boyfriend comes down and meets me to make sure I get home safely.'' At Chick's Bar, barmaid Pat Fox said her customers were also obsessed with the murder hunt.

She added: "They've been saying how bad it all is. People are very worried and nervous. I don't work at night, but I've heard people saying it's a bit quieter since it happened.'' Teacher Cathy Kosal, from Denver, Colorado, is with a party of youngsters on a study holiday at the Bermuda Biological Station, also near the murder scene.

She said students had been advised of the killing and warned only to walk in groups.

Ms Kosal added: "We are more conscious about safety now. It's just not what you would expect in Bermuda.'' Pupil Ashley Mahoney, 14, also from Denver, said she was sticking to the advice given by Bio Station chiefs.

She added a group of the students were due to go night snorkelling at Ferry Reach on the night of the killing -- but it was called off because of bad weather.

Miss Mahoney added: "Two days after the incident, I guess people are a little afraid and worried about walking alone -- but I'm not scared at all although it's terrible that it had to happen here.'' Dr. Giedris Klivecka and wife Andra are visiting the Island from New York City.

Mrs. Klivecka said: "I was hoping that nothing like this would ever touch Bermuda.'' Dr. Klivecka added: "Where we are from, this kind of thing happens -- we did think it didn't happen here. But when we heard about the murder we said you really have to be careful everywhere in the world.'' Sisters Lisa McHardy, 32, and Laina Smith, 16, from Massachusetts, are travelling with family members on the Royal Majesty currently docked in St.

George's.

Mrs. McHardy said: "We were going to let Laina go to a karaoke night in St.

George's with some other kids -- but my mother said she didn't want her by herself and without adult supervision. I guess something like this could kind of affect you.''