Man arrested after two Sheffield shootings in space of an hour is bailed after questioning
A man arrested after two shootings in Sheffield in the space of an hour is on bail pending further enquiries.
The 23-year-old was arrested after shots were fired towards an address in Oxford Street, Upperthorpe and then at a block of flats in Edward Street, Netherthorpe.
The first shooting was reported to South Yorkshire Police at 9.42pm on Saturday, December 13. The second was reported at 10.06pm.
No injuries were reported, but a child was inside the Oxford Street property at the time.
South Yorkshire Police are linking both incidents.
The man arrested after the shootings was held on suspicion of possession of firearms with intent and possession with intent to supply drugs, other than Class A.
Detective Inspector Claire Moss, from the Armed Crime Team, said at the time of the shootings: “Thankfully, no one was injured in relation to these incidents, but it could easily have been another tragic incident, as we have seen too frequently in South Yorkshire.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported our investigation so far. We cannot end gun violence alone and we rely on the backing of our communities to help us get these weapons, and those who carry them, off the streets.
Last September, 26-year-old Kassim Mohammed was shot dead Watery Street, Upperthorpe.
In response to gun crime in the area, a public meeting was held last week and a “community partnership” was agreed.
South Yorkshire Police said “people rallied together” at the meeting to show their support for an initiative which “aims to create a thriving, safe and welcoming neighbourhood for the people of Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe to live, work and grow up in”.
‘Upperthorpe & Netherthorpe Together’ has been launched “to build a better community for everyone”.
Local community charity, Zest, Sheffield City Council officers and elected members, South Yorkshire Police and community organisations are involved.
South Yorkshire Police said that while police action to “rid the area of violent crime” is important, it is just one part of the plan to revitalise the area.
Matt Dean, Zest’s Chief Executive Office, said: “Upperthorpe & Netherthorpe Together is about standing with our community and making a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming neighbourhood for everyone.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn, chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee with Sheffield City Council, said: “We want every person in Sheffield to live a safe and fulfilling life. Everyone should have the opportunity to live in a neighbourhood they feel secure in and within a community they belong to.
“The work being done in partnership with South Yorkshire Police as part of a wider initiative aims to reduce crime and help protect local residents and I am really pleased the first phase has been such a success.
“Hopefully this initiative, alongside all the other great work taking place to create safer communities across the city, will help make residents feel safer and happier in their local neighbourhood.”
Anyone with information about criminality in Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe, including drug supply, is being urged to report to police online, or call 101.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted by calling 0800 111 555 or by visiting their website here: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers