Man spotted walking through popular Sheffield park with a gun as police step up patrols

The alarm was raised at 6.30pm yesterday when reports were received by South Yorkshire Police that a man with a gun had been around The Ponderosa – a park between Upperthorpe and Crookesmoor.

Armed police officers were deployed and searches were carried out but no suspect was identified.

South Yorkshire Police said additional officers remain in the area today.

Work is being carried out to establish whether a gun was fired.

The force said: “Shortly after 6.30pm yesterday, armed officers were deployed to Ponderosa Park, Sheffield, after receiving reports that a man was in the area in possession of a firearm.

“No suspect was identified and no injuries were reported, however there will be an increased number of officers in the area today as we follow-up the reports and work to establish whether a firearms discharge took place.”The force added: “As detectives work to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, we are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

“If you saw, or captured anything suspicious on your dash cam or CCTV, please contact us.”

During a recent search of The Ponderosa as part of a crackdown on knife crime, live shotgun ammunition and spent cartridges were discovered.

The items were seized for forensic examination.

Call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 788 of May 10 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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