‘It’s not safe,’ residents speak out after city centre stabbing as police step up patrols

The 23-year-old is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after the incident at around 4.23am on December 29 near Barkers Pool.

South Yorkshire Police has said it has increased patrols while they are investigating the “isolated incident”.

A police spokeswoman said: “An increased police presence will remain in the area while our officers carry out their enquiries.”

Residents have spoken out since the news broke.

Writing on the Star’s Facebook page Vicky Winstanley wrote: “So awful that you can’t go for a decent night out without having to be scared. Hope he is ok and knows who did this. I dread our kids going out.”

Another reader Rachel Bennett said: “Thank god we don’t go out anymore. Just isn’t safe.”

Jackie Freeman added: “Some people won’t go out because of things like this happening. hope the poor lad pulls through.”

An investigation has been launched to find who is responsible.

So far no one has been arrested.

Here is what more residents had to say:

Lisa Ratcliffe said: “Awful to read this we were in Sheffield last night so frightening.”

Lauren Claire Morton said: “Saw aftermath of this when I came out of area last night. All cordoned off, police everywhere.

“Hope he makes a speedy recovery and the person is caught

Joanne Richardson said: “Today's Sheffield is not the place I remember when I grew up there.”

Michelle Bailey said: “Hope he attackers are caught and the young man recovers. No one’s safe to go out for a drink anymore.”

Luke Spooner said: “Walked past this as they were cleaning the pool of blood away … Sheffield is just getting a war zone now.”

SV Robinson said: “Yeah, I can't believe it's happening so often now.”

If you have any information please call 101 quoting incident number 156 of 29 December 2019 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111