Top cop in Sheffield says community is key to cracking case

Chief Superintendent Stuart Barton, Sheffield’s District Commander, spoke out after a 12-year-old boy was shot in Arbourthorne as part of a gang war.

The young boy is said to have been an innocent bystander caught up in the feud when a gun was fired from a car as it drove past him and his friends.

Police believe the intended target had been in the area at the time and the injured boy was mistakenly shot.

Two men, aged 25 and 30, have been arrested over the incident.

They are both being held on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Chf Spt Barton said it was an ‘horrendous incident’.

He added: “We believe that the incident on Sunday is part of an ongoing dispute between organised criminal gangs operating in this part of Sheffield. The key to our investigations lies in the community and as part of that, we are here to listen to your concerns.

“You will see an increase in police vehicles and officers in the community, they are there to support you and for you to speak to. I would urge you to take that opportunity.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 516 of January 12.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555111.