London Road: Everything said by top cop on Sheffield shooting as one boy is held & another fights for life
Sheffield’s most senior police officer has just spoken from the scene of a shooting, as one boy fights for his life in hospital and another is held on suspicion to commit murder.
The boy, who has not yet been named, remains in a critical condition in hospital this afternoon (Tuesday, November 25, 2025). He is just 16-years-old.
He was shot down in an incident which unfolded on London Road, near to the junction with Abbeydale Road last night, with police called in connection at 5.17pm.
Sheffield Superintendent Martin Simcock spoke to the media from the scene of the shooting a few moments ago, a short time after officers arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the incident.
He said: "We're here at the scene of a shooting, which has left a teenage boy fighting for his life.
"Just after quarter past five we were called to reports of a firearms discharge, here on London Road. The boy who was 16-years-old is in a critical condition. His family remain with him in hospital at this awful time, and we are supporting them as best we can.
"Since the investigation was launched last night, our Major Crime Team detectives have been working around the clock to identify the suspects, supported by forensics, CCTV coordinators and other specialists.
"This afternoon, we have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He remains in custody for questioning.
"I'd like to make one thing very clear: gun crime is not tolerated in South Yorkshire and we are doing everything we can to stop it.
"We will hunt down those involved, but we need your help to do this.
"People in the community will have information about this horrendous attack.
"If this is you please provide what you know, either directly to us, or through Crimestoppers, where you can remain completely anonymous.
"We can't do this alone, and this teenage boy - and his family - deserve answers. London Road will have been very busy at the time of yesterday's incident, with rush hour traffic and people returning home.
"Or they will have been using local businesses in the area. If you were here at 5.15pm yesterday, did you see anything that could help us? Or did you capture any dashcam footage?
"If so, please provide that information. My officers will be in the area on increased patrols tonight, and in the coming days.
"Please don't hesitate to speak to them with queries, concerns and any questions you may have. We are here for you. Thank you."
Supt Simcock was also asked a number of questions, including: "What's your message to people in Sheffield who fear gun crime is getting out of control?"
He responded: "I'd refer to what I've said, we're absolutely committed to tackling the issue. Officers are here, speak to them, talk to them about your concerns.
“You'll see officers in the area in the next few days, and in the communities. And we're absolutely committed to tackling gun crime in this city."
The superintendent was also asked if detectives believed the shooting was a "targeted attack," and if the teenager injured was the intended target.
"As I'm sure you can appreciate, we've got detectives working on this. As developments occur, we'll release further information but it's too early to obviously make speculation or draw any conclusions at the moment," Supt Simcock said.
He was also asked if he believes there are any wider risks to the community at this point.
Supt Simcock replied: "The officers are in the area, you can see them here on the scene, they're going to be in the communities. We're going to tackle this. We've got officers who are working, detectives and teams who are dedicated to this and ensuring the safety of our communities.
Responding to questions over whether it is believed there is any link to gang crime or drug crime, Supt Simcock said: "I refer to what's said, it's really early in the investigation, it's far too early to draw those sort of conclusions but as things develop, I'm sure we'll release further information."
He was also asked whether Sheffield has a gun crime problem, to which he responded: "I can understand why people are concerned by this incident. I've said to you before, gun crime - we are absolutely committed to tackling that within this city and we've got officers who are dedicated and working tirelessly toward that and bringing offenders to justice."
A section of London Road remains cordoned off today, as investigations continue.
If you believe you can help, please get in touch with police online, via live chat or by calling 101 quoting incident number 640 of November 24, 2025.
If you prefer to stay anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on the freephone 0800 555 111 or fill out a secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No one will know you have contacted them and your details will remain confidential.