By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE, Guardian Senior Reporter

keva@nasguard.com

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has stepped up its security presence at the home of former Prime Minister Perry Christie after bullets were fired at the residence of his mother-in-law Trixie Hanna, which is located on his Cable Beach residential compound.

Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime, Ellison Greenslade, confirmed to The Guardian that an increase in police presence is to ensure the safety of both families at all times. He noted that the gun attack is a matter the police are taking quite seriously.

"This incident clearly indicates that the guards posted here prior to the elections and during the election campaigns should remain. And certainly in my discussions with the Commissioner, I felt very clearly that he had the full blessings of the current prime minister of the country - that no efforts should be spared in ensuring that the former prime minister receives the best protection," Greenslade said.

It is understood that at about 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday police received a report from Mrs. Hanna stating that she had heard gunshots in the neighborhood during the early morning hours on Monday. She later discovered a bullet hole in a northern window of her residence.

A team of officers was dispatched to her residence to investigate the matter, and information received on the matter stated that while an incident did occur there was nothing to suggest that a gun had been used. The Guardian was told that: "Police did an investigation and found that this matter does not support anything concerning gunshot wounds or no evidence to show damage that would support gunshots."

No one was injured during the incident. But according to sources, the police were attempting to downplay the incident. However, Greenslade brushed aside this claim.

"I don't believe that needs a response," the senior officer said. "We have to all stand on our credibility, you and I, and everybody else in this country and good relationships would suggest that we respect each other."

In the meantime family members have labeled the incident as "political mischief."

They said Hanna has witnessed people passing by and throwing jeers - the usual pre- and post election taunts. But this latest incident has taken things a step further.

"She has no enemies, so obviously she is thinking that it must be some kind of political mischief, which is of a dangerous nature. That is really her fear," The Guardian was told by a family member. "That somebody can really find it necessary to shoot her house from behind and then come around and shoot the front of it. Now what message they are sending? I don't know, but it is a message of fear."

Greenslade said he has been in contact with the former prime minister on the matter.

"He is very concerned about this and rightfully so. We have given him our assurances that we will pursue this investigation and will spare no efforts in trying to determine what has happened. And also we have ensured that his personal safety and that of his family are being looked after."

The investigations are ongoing, and Greenslade said he is optimistic that those who committed the act will be brought to justice.