'Enough is enough': Sheffield residents to march through city in stand against gangs

The annual event, organised by Mums United, a charity set up to tackle youth violence and child exploitation, is urging people from across the city to turn out in solidarity tomorrow.

Organisers want a show of strength to demonstrate to gangs that communities are fed up with living in fear of another stabbing or shooting.

Tomorrow's event will also be used to urge organisations including South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield Council to do more to tackle gangs.

South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said this week that a decade of policing cuts had allowed organised crime groups (OCGs) to grow and gain a foothold in communities.

He said much of the serious violence on the streets, including knife and gun attacks, have their roots in organised crime and turf wars between drug gangs.

Dr Billings said a specialist armed crime team was yielding results but Mums United founder Sahira Irshad said more needs to be done.

Between Wednesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 12, there were three shootings in Sheffield, which detectives say were ‘targeted’ and all linked to organised crime.

There were two on Manor Lane, Manor and one on Woodthorpe Crescent, Woodthorpe.

Sahira said: “Yes there were 10 years of austerity but the police and statutory organisations have had 10 years to come up with a way of dealing with it.

“Tomorrow’s event is for Sheffield to say enough is enough. We need to show that we are united against gangs and come together to call for the police, council, schools and all other statutory organisations to take action.

“There have been meetings after meetings but we need more.”

She added: “We want a clear commitment and plan in place to tackle gangs and to support young people to prevent them from being groomed by OCGs.

“Communities have put up with gangs for too long, they are tired of feeling scared and worried about what will happen next.”

Tomorrow’s march will begin at Heeley People’s Park at 3pm and will end at Highfield Adventure Playground.

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