Frightened residents stopped sitting near windows after shooting on Sheffield estate

Some residents on a Sheffield estate were so worried about gun attacks after a boy was shot they stopped sitting in front of their windows in case homes were fired at.
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Councillor Ben Miskell, who represents Arbourthorne, said the shooting of a 12-year-old boy in a drive-by gun attack in January terrified the community.

Stephen Dunford, aged 26, was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 19 years behind bars this week after being convicted of attempted murder.

A group of children were shot at on Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, in JanuaryA group of children were shot at on Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, in January
A group of children were shot at on Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, in January
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Dunford, of Fellbrigg Road, Arbourthorne, fired indiscriminately at a group of children stood together on a street –hitting one in his thigh and narrowly missing another child.

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He was looking for a rival gang member when he opened fire at the group of innocent children.

Coun Miskell said the community is relieved that Dunford is behind bars.

“The shooting of a 12-year old boy left the community in Arbourthorne numb with fear and demanding action. It was only by pure fortune that nobody was killed that day,” he said.

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“It has been a relief to residents that Stephen Dunford has been taken off our streets and convinced for this despicable crime.”

He added: “The impact on residents of this crime cannot be understated. Some tell me that they had to move their sofas away from their front windows, because they feared gunshots fired into their properties.

“Some even stopped their children from sitting by the windows.

“At points it’s felt like the community was under attack, because the dangerous thugs who threatened our community showed no regard for human life.

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“Our collective message to anyone intent on bringing violence into Arbourthorne is clear. You are not welcome and the community will not tolerate it.”

Sheffield MP Louise Haigh said: “I commend South Yorkshire Police and all those across the criminal justice system who have worked hard to ensure that this week Stephen Dunford received the sentence he deserved.

“His crime was abhorrent for numerous reasons, not least because his victim was a 12-year-old boy.

"But the effect on the community of this crime has also been severe; I hope it will come as comfort to local residents that he will be serving a prison sentence for many years to come.”

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