Shocked residents voice crime fears after murder on Sheffield estate

They expressed concerns after a 32-year-old man was killed on the Manor estate in the early hours of this morning.

He was found seriously injured close to a children’s playground on Fretson Green and was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency services arrived.

A police hunt for those involved in the death is under way.

Officers have cordoned off a huge area around Fretson Green while crime scene investigation work is carried out.

In a bid to reassure local residents, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton, said: “I know this incident will concern the community who live in the Manor area and I’d like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to find those responsible.”

Irene Smart, 69, who lives on Castledale Croft, Manor, called for more police officers patrolling the streets of the estate.

There was a shooting on her street in January on the same day that a gun was fired on nearby Prince of Wales Road an hour later

“I definitely want to see more police on the streets,” she said.

“I’ve lived on the Manor for 35 years and even though there are no good areas anywhere today, crime is everywhere in Sheffield, it is worrying when guns are fired near your home and then there is a murder just a few months later.

“I also would like to see housing associations carrying out more checks on their homes when people move in because if people don’t care about where they live it brings an area down.”

Mum-of-one Sara Youle, 37, said she was concerned at where the murder took place – yards away from a children’s playground.

“I’ve lived here 15 years and been happy here. It’s generally quiet so this was a shock this morning.

“It is worrying that it was so close to a children’s playground which people walk through to and from school every day. It is not what you would expect there.”

Dawn Sawyer, 53, said she was woken up at 6am to find police officers outside her home and the street sealed off.

“I looked outside at 6am and saw a CSI van, so it was a shock but then again there is always something happening here,” she said.

“I only moved here a year ago and I won’t go out after 4pm when it gets dark, it can be frightening.”

A Wulfric Road resident, who has lived on the street for three years, said crime is common.

“There are fires regularly and vandalism but a death is worrying,” he said.

Priscilla Ezenani, 39, who has lived on the Manor estate for seven years, said she has confidence in the police dealing with the murder.

“I find it usually quiet here, it is the first time I have seen this amount of police activity.

“They are everywhere today which reassures me and I am confident that they will solve this.

“I’m not frightened to live here.”

Anyone with information about the murder should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 29 of April 17.

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.