Scrutiny of recent firearms incidents suggested they were sparked by internal feuding between members of the same gangs, a senior policeman said yesterday.

Analysis of gun crime and other intelligence led detectives to believe that friction had developed because some members of one group fraternised with people in a “rival” gang.

There have been 294 confirmed firearms incidents since May 2009 — almost two incidents every month — resulting in 51 deaths and a further 128 victims being injured.

In the past two months, there have been five shootings, with one person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Antoine Daniels, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, said that there were several factors to cause sudden surges in gun crime, including opportunity, access to weapons, feuds between rival organisations, and the drive to commit crimes when a gang is running low on assets such as drugs and money.

He added that another element at play was a so-called “changing of the guard” when younger members of a gang wish to make their mark and challenge the leaders.

Mr Daniels said: “Another key factor is the move away from traditional gang behaviour, where previously there was a clear delineation involving members of rival gangs targeting each other.

“Recent analysis of firearms matters, as well as other key information and evidence gathered, indicate that there are members of rival gangs who engage with each other having social allegiance and or collaborate in various criminal business ventures, including the importation of firearms and controlled drugs.

“This creates friction with other members of these respective crime groups, because they are unable to participate within this same context, although members of the same gangs. Additionally, there are increasing incidents of internal conflict.

“This shift makes it difficult for law enforcement to fully understand who is aligned with whom, particularly with this chaotic and unorthodox behaviour of these organised crime group members.”

Mr Daniels said that police were devising strategies “to target and dismantle those criminal enterprises that create the greatest risk to community safety”.

He also insisted that everyone could play a role in making Bermuda safer.

Mr Daniels said: “Persons with any information on criminal activity, whether they believe it is important or not, should contact police, Crime Stoppers, or speak with a police officer you know.

“To ignore or believe this behaviour will not, or cannot impact you or your loved ones is unwise, particularly in an island the small size of Bermuda, where one firearms incident can negatively impact an entire family, place of business or neighbourhood.”