HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC- Police have launched an investigation after two men were shot and killed in a store in the central parish of Pembroke late Wednesday.

The incident that took place at Belvin’s Variety Store was the first double murder to rock the island since the outbreak of gun violence that began plaguing Bermuda in 2009. The fatalities were also the first since the start of the year.

The police who have not yet released the names of the victims only described them as “young”.

"Last night's murders are appalling. I am thinking of the anguish of these young men's families and of the complete futility of this cruelty.

"This is a time for those close to people involved in gangs to take brave steps to help the police protect our society. I would ask them to do all they can to discourage retaliation. And everyone who knows anything about these murders needs to provide information straight away to the police or in confidence to Crime stoppers” said Governor George Fergusson.

Junior Public Safety Minister Jeff Baron said the country is in a state of shock.

"Right now, we know that two men were killed inside Belvin's. This whole community is completely rattled. Today I'm here under tragic circumstances, which unfortunately where we find ourselves. We're getting updates from police, and as a government we are looking forward to implementing the most forward-leaning policies to disrupt gang activity."

It’s reported that shortly after 9 pm on Wednesday the police received information regarding a firearms incident at Belvin’s Variety Store. The police later found the two young men in the store. They were taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where they were pronounced dead

Five men were shot and killed in Bermuda last year, including one on Christmas Day on a golf course in St George's.