The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a text message widely circulated over the weekend suggesting that a man had been shot somewhere in the western parishes. We would like to assure the public that no such report was made to the police, no-one was treated at the hospital for gunshot injuries and no-one has come forward to verify the text message.

The Bermuda Police Service wishes to caution against the pitfalls of disseminating unsubstantiated information via mobile devices and social media. This is not the first example of unconfirmed reports and inaccurate information that have sparked unnecessary anxiety throughout the community.

Members of the public are encouraged to report what they hear and see to the police, and to confirm news stories via our official website at www.bermudapolice.bm, on our Facebook page or Twitter account, or through reputable local media outlets.