Cancun ‘calm’ after fatal shooting
There is an increased police presence in the town, including in the tourist area following Tuesday’s shooting incident downtown, but in an update to its advice, the Foreign Office said the situation was ‘calm’.
Four people were killed, including one police officer and four gunmen, in the town’s prosecutor’s office, which is about four miles from the tourist zone. A further five people were arrested.
In the hours after the incident the Foreign Office advised British tourists in Cancun to stay indoors, but it updated its advice yesterday to suggest visitors should follow the advice of the local authorities and their tour operators.
The incident followed a shooting at a nightclub in nearby Playa del Carmen, in which five people were killed.
It is still unclear if there is a link between the two incidents.
Both Cancun and Playa del Carmen had until recently remained relatively free of violent crime, however the incidents have raised fears Mexico’s most important tourism area could be sucked into the cycle of drug-related violence which has affected many Mexican states.
Carlos Joaquin, governor of the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, said he had requested security assistance from the government. "They are already on their way to reinforce order in the state," he said.
Meanwhile it appears to be business as usual in Playa del Carmen as authorities continue investigating that shooting.
"The situation in Playa del Carmen is under control, allowing domestic and international tourists to continue enjoying their vacation in a secure environment. Playa del Carmen is one of the safest destinations in Mexico and the safety of its visitors is a top priority," said the ministry of tourism of Quintana Roo in a statement.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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