The Railway Trail offers a peaceful retreat for walkers, cyclists and horseriders a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hamilton.

Running the length of the Island, it provides 22 miles of serenity. With its rural views and seascapes, many consider it one of Bermuda's hidden gems and the Department of Tourism is keen to develop its eco-tourism potential.

That solitary nature however, was used to screen fatal violence on Friday when a 25-year-old man was shot dead on its pathway.

Yesterday, the trail from Loyal Hill to Palmetto House in Devonshire looked no different as it bathed peacefully in the sunshine among the birdsong and occasional butterfly. The only sign of something unusual taking place was the yellow Police cordon. Further down, just out of sight, detectives searched for clues in the hunt for Shaki Crockwell's killer.

Mr. Crockwell, a father-of-two and footballer for the Boulevard Blazers, Bermuda Hogges and national team, was gunned down with a single bullet to the back of the neck at 10.23 p.m. Such is the secluded nature of the trail, neighbours in the surrounding houses did not hear a thing.

Dorothy Williams, 68, of Northridge Close, said: "It was a shock. It is so quiet and peaceful around here, it's beautiful. I used to take my grandchildren along the tracks to the playground but it's kind of scary that this has happened. I don't think I would even go there now.

"It is awful, very sad, to think of this happening to such a young man still in his prime. I just thank God it wasn't one of my children or grandchildren."

Another neighbour however, said the remoteness of the trail made it an ideal place to commit crime.

"We have been broken into about five times since last August, so nothing really shocks me," she said. The 50-year-old, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is quite secluded here, there's not many houses and very few people around. There's no lights on the trail so I really wouldn't walk up there by myself at night."