A young man was shot in an apparent drive-by shooting on Princess Street in Hamilton last night. Police had few details at presstime but neighbours reported that the man was shot by another man who fled as the pillion passenger on a cycle.

A source said the gunman fired several shots over his shoulder as he was being driven away at high speed.

Dozens of Police officers descended on Princess Street, including officers armed with submachine guns. The victim was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.

In a statement, a Police spokesman said Police were called at 9.26 p.m. with reports of gunshots.

"Details are sketchy, but a man is in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and being treated for non-life threatening injuries," the spokesman concluded. The violence comes just over a week since the stabbing death of promising student Kellon Hill. Five youths have been charged with his murder.

In April, 31 year old Matthew Clarke was stabbed to death in his Pembroke home. One man has been charged in connection with his death.

Just over eight months have passed since the shooting death of Aquil Richardson and wounding of another man on Boxing Day. The day before, a man was injured in a shooting in Mr. Richardson's Southampton neighbourhood. Two men have been charged with Mr. Richardson's murder.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to contact Police on 299 4315 or call the confidential Crimestoppers hotline of 1 800 623 8477.