A shooting that left a 20-year-old man dead in Devonshire late last night has all the hallmarks of a gang-related murder, police now say.

Jahcari Francis was fatally shot at a residence on Upland Street at around 10.45pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“While detectives believe this has the hallmarks of a gang-related murder, they continue to pursue all lines of enquiry to determine the circumstances that led to this callous act,” police said in a release this morning.

“A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the deceased’s family at this difficult time.”

David Burt, the Premier, addressed the incident in a statement released this morning.

“My thoughts, prayers and condolences are extended to the man’s family and friends at their tragic loss,” he said.

Mr Burt encouraged anyone with any information on the “senseless act of violence” to contact police or Crime Stoppers so that those responsible could be “brought to justice”.

At the scene last night, PLP MP Diallo Rabain said: “After the momentous occasion that we’ve just had with the Progressive Labour Party winning the General Election, we are brought back to reality by the sadness of another life taken from us through gun violence.

“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda and the Premier of Bermuda, we want to express our sincere condolences to the family.

“This will stiffen our resolve to deal with this crisis that we see in front of us. There was a callous taking of life tonight and we will be looking to address this as we start this administration.”

Mr Rabain said he knew some of the family members and was trying to reach out to them to find out how they were doing.

He added: “It saddens me to see something like this in my constituency and it’s the whole of Bermuda. We have to look after our young men.”

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I came back from work and was unable to get back to my home. It just feels strange because the people in the area are lovely.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead investigator on 247-1218 or via e-mail at jsmith@bps.bm.

Confidential information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers.