Concern that violence between females is on the increase was raised following back-to-back incidents of women fighting on the streets of Hamilton.

A group of teenaged girls reportedly set upon another young female in a Wednesday evening brawl, kicking and punching her repeatedly as she lay immobilised on the pavement.

And in a separate incident early the following morning, police were summoned to break up a handful of women "arguing and fighting" in the middle of the road near the junction of Reid Street and Spurling Hill.

No formal complaints were made and no one was arrested in either incident. However, an eyewitness to the first battle expressed her shock at the degree of violence.

"There were between ten and 12 girls that looked to be surrounding one primary fight that was quite physical," she stated. "The group tumbled into the street where, I believe, one girl was being kicked and punched and eventually was knocked to the ground."

The woman said she was concerned in particular for the safety of the girl on the ground, who she estimated to be 15 years old. She said she understood that juvenile disagreements were not unusual but admitted she called the police to report the incident because it was so ferocious.

"I am pleased to hear that police responded so quickly," she added. "I was genuinely worried for the girl's safety. I hope it isn't the beginning of a trend."

Police yesterday offered no comment on whether female violence on the island is on the increase, but both incidents were listed in the daily media report.

"Around 3.20 (yesterday) morning, police attended a reported disturbance near the junction of Reid Street and Spurling Hill in Pembroke," a spokesperson stated.

"On arrival, officers observed a group of women in the middle of the road arguing and fighting with each other. However, once the women noticed the police presence most of them quickly dispersed and left the area. Those remaining were spoken to by officers however they declined to divulge any information and promptly left the area as well.

"At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, police attended a reported disturbance at the junction of Parliament Street and Victoria Street in Pembroke. On arrival officers spoke with several teenage girls who were involved in a verbal dispute. The young women indicated that no physical altercation had taken place between them. In light of this, officers advised the teenagers about their behaviour and the young women then went their separate ways."

According to Opposition Leader Kim Swan, such incidents are part of a challenge now facing Bermuda.

Speaking during Bermuda's Labour Day celebrations on Monday, he stressed the need for us all to "get back to values of fairness and respect".

His comments were delivered as part of the annual event at Bernard Park ¿ only a few days before the Hamilton attacks. The United Bermuda Party MP labelled such incidents as signs that the island is "on the wrong track".

"Right now, we are drowning in self interest and it is breaking us apart. We must continue to look after ourselves and our families - that is an imperative ¿ but we also have to look out for our island. We can do both. If we don't look out for our larger community, we stand to lose much of what we have, what we share and what made us strong and unique as a people.

"If we don't care more for our fellow Bermudians, we will continue down the paths that trouble us today."

Several incidents have been reported over the last few weeks ¿ 18-year-old Kellon Hill was set upon by six teenagers at a beach party and knifed to death, gunshots were heard around 11 a.m. in the St. Monica's/Glebe Road vicinity, and 22-year-old Prince Barrington Edness was shot in the leg, in a drive-by shooting on Princess Street.

Such violence is causing families to grieve for lost children and is symbolic of the drift from values that once anchored Bermuda, Mr. Swan stated.

"The deaths of young Bermudians are the extreme signs of a troubled country, a country on the wrong track," he said before highlighting what he sees as "signs of turmoil" on the island:

Families struggling against a punishing cost of living.

A school system failing children.

Drive-by shootings.

Government services swamped by demands.

Police marching in protest.

Businesses outsourcing jobs .

Tourism hanging by a thread.

According to the Opposition Leader, the island could benefit by following the Bermuda Industrial Union tradition ¿ working together to achieve a common goal.

"Bermuda's labour movement has improved lives and expanded opportunity while promoting a greater sense of equity, a greater sense of fair play, a greater sense of teamwork and collaboration.

"These are troubling times and there is a need for all of us who love this country to come together to get it back on track . . . the principles, values and skills that have guided the labour movement can help Bermuda in this time of need. Labour has shown it can bring people together. Labour has fostered cooperation and broadened understanding between people. And labour has shown that unified action can achieve results."

Bermuda cannot depend on Government policy to accomplish all that needs to be done, Mr. Swan added.

"It will take all of us as Bermudians doing our own part to make this island a better place for all our people ¿ young and old, rich and poor, black and white, Bermudian and guest workers. It has to start with each of us."