Police Commissioner David Baines has exposed the true extent Cayman’s crime problem – revealing there are 13 separate gangs operating with members as young as just 14 years old.

The Islands’ top officer was speaking to representatives of the business community where it was also revealed that one of the UK’s most senior officers will lead a specialist unit of detectives heading to Cayman next week.

Jon Murphy is the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. He is also regarded as an expert in serious and organised crime on British shores.

Mr Murphy will arrive on Island next Monday and will start work immediately in an attempt to crack the current crime wave that has seen five people shot dead in a little more than a week.

Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event, Mr Baines said the RCIPS has intelligence to suggest there are 13 separate gangs operating outside of the law.

And – in a terrifying new twist – he also said all the gangs have strong connections with one another and squabbles are often over petty matters such as geography, family ties and even girlfriends.

Mr Baines said in West Bay, the Birch Tree Hill gang has around 35 members and their rival, Logwoods gang around 16.

But he said those numbers can be doubled when you take into account the criminal factions operating in Bodden Town and East End.