Police warn Sheffield community that 'silence' over gun crime is 'dangerous'
A Sheffield community in shock over a Christmas Day shooting has been warned that “silence” over gun crime is “dangerous”.
Inspector Katie Hammond, of the Sheffield South East neighbourhood policing team, spoke out in the wake of a gun attack in Darnall on Christmas Day.
A 20-year-old man was critically injured after being shot in his chest in a drive-by shooting.
He was hit in Wilfred Drive just before 11.30pm on December 25.
Four men, aged 20, 22, 28 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed after police questioning.
Insp Hammond said: “This is not the community Darnall has to be.
“Darnall thrives when people look out for each other. It has its challenges but these are lessened with every kind act – that’s the power we have in working together and we would welcome you to work with us.
“South Yorkshire Police will do everything in our lawful power to find the person responsible for this shooting and ensure they face justice.
“However, we must also find the gun used to tear apart our community and you have a role to play.
“A gun in a community changes everything. It brings fear, risk and instability - not just for those involved in crime, but for families, children and anyone who happens to be nearby.
“When guns circulate, violence follows. That is why silence is dangerous.
“If you know something - about the weapon, about those who carry it, or about the drug activity that fuels it - share it.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, from the SYP Major Crime Team, said: “This is an abhorrent incident that has left a man fighting for his life.
“Gun crime poses a great threat to the safety and wellbeing of our community, putting innocent people at risk of being caught up in an offender’s actions. It will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“We are committed to taking firm, decisive action against anyone who chooses to engage in violence or carry illegal firearms, but we are stronger with your help; our communities support.
“We are thankful to those who have assisted officer’s so far in our enquiries and urge anyone who believes they have footage or information to assist to get in touch.”
You can pass information to police by calling 101, quoting incident number 732 of December 25, 2025.
Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.