'I have seen violent crime destroy lives': Top detective's warning after shootings in Sheffield

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Henderson, responsible for tackling armed criminality, aimed his stark message at said those at the ‘centre’ of a recent spate of incidents in Sheffield, and their families and friends.

He said: “To the people who are at the centre of these crimes, and perhaps more importantly their friends and their families, my message is clear: it’s not worth it.

“I have seen violent crime destroy lives. It takes brothers away from sisters, it takes children away from their parents. It can cost you and your family so much.”

LATEST: Sheffield detective issues grim warning after FOUR shootings in one day

He spoke out after four shootings last Friday.

CRIME: Police patrols continue after wave of gun crime in Sheffield

Three men were shot when a gun was fired in Grimesthorpe Road, Burngreave, just after midnight and two hours later a 53-year-old man was injured when a gun was fired at a flat on Club Garden Road, Sharrow.

Later that day, two rival groups opened fire at each other in on Machon Bank, Nether Edge and just over half an hour later a gun was fired at a house on nearby Union Road.

All the incidents are being treated as ‘targeted’ attacks and so far one man has been charged.

DCI Henderson said: “The shootings we saw happen on Friday are all being investigated as targeted incidents, involving people who are known to each other and are believed to be connected to serious organised crime happening in the city.

“In response, I have deployed significant numbers of officers to these areas.

“In addition, I have a dedicated team of specialist detectives carrying out enquiries, which are moving quickly.

“We are making every effort possible to prevent these types of incidents happening and to identify and deal with the people responsible.

“If you have doubts, suspicions or fears about someone you know, there are ways to talk about it. You can call us, on 101, or if that’s difficult, speak to Crimestoppers and you’ll remain completely anonymous, but we will get the information we need to keep people safe.”