Police heighten presence after two men shot and wounded in Pembroke
Two men aged in their twenties were today being treated in hospital for “multiple injuries” after they were shot last night.
Police today gave a more detailed description of the lone suspect in the incident.
He was said to be 5ft 8in tall, of slim to medium build and riding a dark coloured motorcycle east on St John’s Road just after shots were fired at about 9.15pm yesterday near a house in Pembroke Park Lane, Pembroke.
Detective Inspector Kenten Trott of the serious crime unit said the suspect was wearing a dark helmet, dark trousers and a light coloured jacket.
Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley said that the neighbourhood had been given extra attention after complaints from residents of antisocial behaviour.
Acting Inspector Scott Devine, in charge of the island’s parish officers, said there had been increased reports of loud music, “criminality” and groups of men using drugs and drinking alcohol in the street.
Mr Devine said police had stepped up patrols and carried out “some enforcement measures in recent weeks”.
He added: “We are here now, and we are not going away.
“Parish officers are here today, helping out with reassurance in the community, and there will be an increased police presence around the neighbourhood.”
It was reported earlier that one of the victims was taken to hospital in a police vehicle.
Mr Trott said: “We were actually in this area making sure to provide public reassurance.”
Mr Corbishley added it was “a reflection of the way we work in partnership with the community”.
He said: “The Premier has raised concerns about this location, as it is in his constituency.”
The house, overlooking St John’s Road in Pembroke, remained cordoned off by police this morning.
David Burt toured the area to speak to residents today, and Leroy Bean, the island’s gang violence reduction co-ordinator, was also at the scene.
Mr Bean said he had gone to the hospital last night.
He added: “The family were very optimistic, very grateful that things were not worse than they could have been.”
His crisis response team was deployed last night as neighbours gathered in the road near the scene of the shooting.
Mr Bean said the team was back today to speak to residents and “gather information”.
Police said it was too early to discuss the background to the attack or if it could be linked to other incidents.
Mr Bean said much of the recent “surge in violence” was because of tension caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added: “I believe a lot of this here is not so much even gangs, as much as what’s taken place during the lockdown.”
Police appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to call the main police number, 295-0011, or 211.
The serious crime unit can be contacted at 717-2345, and the independent, confidential Crime Stoppers hotline is available at 800-8477.