COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and Caicos Islands, (CMC) – Police in Turks and Caicos Islands say Haitian gangs are behind the first known mass shooting in this British overseas territory resulting in ‘a mass casualty’ on Sunday.

Police say three people were killed and 10 others injured during the incident that occurred at the Island Hookah Lounge on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending formal notification of next of kin.

The authorities are offering a reward of US$10,000 for information resulting in the arrest of those responsible for the shooting and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is also urging anyone with information to come forward through official channels or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

In a statement, the police said that Police Commissioner, Fitz Bailey is asking the public and media “to respect the privacy of the victims and responders and to refrain from speculation as we work to manage this incident”.

But speaking at a news conference, Bailey, flanked by Premier Charles Washington Misick, says they believe that Haitian gang-related violence is behind the Turks and Caicos Islands’ first known mass shooting.