The Bermuda Regiment reassured the public yesterday that only blank ammunition was used during training exercises in the east end of the Island last month.

Public relations officer George Jones said contrary to reports in other media, no live ammunition was used during the March Madness training exercise in Ferry Reach

"Exercising soldiers were only issued blank rounds, or simulated ammunition, which produces noise and smoke but does not fire any projectiles," he said. "Blank rounds, or their empty casings, cannot be used for creating new ammunition of any type.

"At no time were live — or 'real' — rounds issued to any troops during the exercise as any such rounds, when issued, are done so in a closely monitored and controlled fashion for use on clearly designated rifle ranges designed and authorised for such use; Ferry Reach is not a designated rifle range."

He added that the Regiment endeavours to collect all empty casings that may be expended as a result of any training exercise. In Bermuda it is illegal to possess blank rounds or empty casings.

If casings are found in the park by the public they should be turned into the Bermuda Police Service or Bermuda Regiment.