A full-time police presence will be established at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal following a shooting there earlier this week, the police chief has announced.
An 18-year-old man was shot multiple times outside the arrivals facility on Tuesday, 6 May, leaving him in critical condition. A female US tourist also sustained minor injuries.
Police have arrested two people in connection with the incident and they remain in custody where they are being questioned.
During a press conference on Saturday, 10 May, Commissioner of Police Robert Clark said there had been a “small police presence” at the terminal for about 10 weeks.
However, after discussions with the acting premier and government officials, he said it was decided that there will be a full-time police presence going forward.
“We have listened to those concerns, and we will make sure that there is a police presence at Blowing Point so that it provides that reassurance, both to the staff and to anyone else who is coming in,” he said.
The shooting
The Royal Anguilla Police Force has set up an investigation team to look into the shooting which occurred at about 3.40pm on Tuesday, 6 May.
An 18-year-old man exited the arrivals hall after arriving from St Martin on the public ferry, and as he waited outside he was approached by two masked men and shot multiple times.
He received first aid at the scene from members of the public before the arrival of police officers and emergency medical services.
“I’m grateful to all those who gave those interventions, because it, in my opinion, saved that young man’s life,” the police commissioner said.
He was then transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he remains in critical condition under close observation.
A female US tourist also sustained a small injury to her right foot from a bullet fragment which had struck the pavement. She was treated at hospital and later discharged.
Two suspects
Police released images from CCTV camera footage of two people believed to be connected to the 6 May shooting.
They are running away from the scene carrying what appears to be handguns towards some derelict houses which back onto the staff car park at Blowing Point.
The first suspect is slim built and wearing all dark colours, including a mask, hat, hooded sweatshirt, trousers and shoes.
The second suspect also appears to be slim built, with a black mask and hooded sweatshirt. They are also wearing light trousers, dark socks and white trainers.
“It is only but by the grace of God, that actually no one else was killed or seriously injured in this reckless attack,” the police commissioner said.
Three days after the incident, on Friday, 9 May, two people were killed in two separate shooting incidents in West End and North Valley.
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