Wielding a handgun, he pumped bullets into the room of the Happy Valley property.

Detectives yesterday carried out extensive house-to-house inquiries in the area.

The shooting comes just two weeks after an armed crook fired at a Policeman.

The Royal Gazette learned yesterday the man opened fire during an attempted robbery at Warwick's Belmont Hotel.

"The shot was fired while the Policeman was in pursuit,'' said Acting Assistant Commissioner Wayne Perinchief. The gunman, acting with an accomplice, fled into the darkness.

The incidents have triggered fears over the use of firearms in Bermuda.

Police say more crooks have been arming themselves over the last two years.

It is believed most of the guns are smuggled here by ship from America.

Firearms have also come under the spotlight following the Harry Viera case.

The former Independent/UBP MP was fined $4,000 after admitting five firearms offences. Controversy blew up over the sentence.

Outrage was also voiced over the use of guns in the cop movie Bermuda Grace, which aired last week.

Yesterday Police Commissioner Lennett (Lennie) Edwards said guns were often linked with drug deals.

"Obviously this is causing us some concern. Every now and then the drug fraternity tries to send messages to its business opponents via guns.

"Guns do rear their heads particularly in areas where drugs are being sold.'' Police went to a property in Happy Valley Road during the early hours yesterday following the gunshots.

Said Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning: "The occupant states that around 1.45 a.m. this morning he answered the door after hearing someone outside.

"A brief conversation took place after which he claims two shots were fired.

"Nobody was injured. The incident is under investigation.'' Police, who have made no arrests, have set up a special incident room.

The investigation is being spearheaded by Det. Insp. Legay Farley.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Perinchief confirmed Police were exploring the theory drugs were behind the shooting.

"Yes, we think it could be drug-related, but I can't tell you why we think that.

"We have been making house-to-house inquiries down in the Happy Valley area.'' He said there was no doubt shots had been fired.

"They were fired into a room, but we don't know the trajectory of the shots.

"We don't know exactly how many were fired, although we know there was more than one.

"We are treating this as an extremely serious incident. Firstly someone was in possession of a firearm, which we know to be a handgun.

"And secondly the person discharged a firearm, endangering life. Two offences have been committed.'' Acting Assistant Commissioner Perinchief said crimes involving guns had increased over the last two years.

"There have been several incidents in which guns have been used for the commission of offences.'' Commissioner Edwards.