'Youth caught a stray': Sheffield gangster boasted about shooting a child in sick prison rap

He then recited the lyrics to a friend during a telephone call while on remand after being charged over the gun attack.

BACKGROUND: Sheffield community living in fear of being caught in the crossfire of drug gangs

The rap was recorded and shared on social media before detectives were alerted and seized the recording as evidence in the case.

Stephen Dunford, aged 26, opened fire at a group of children in Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, while searching the estate for a rival gang member.

COURT: Arbourthorne shooting: Gunman described as ‘highly dangerous individual’

The children were not his intended targets but got caught up in the gang warfare, with one shot in his thigh and another said to have had a miraculous escape after a bullet hit his hood – just missing his neck and head by centimetres.

Dunford, of Fellbrigg Road, Arbourthorne, was jailed for life today and ordered to serve a minimum of 19 years behind bars.

He was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life over the Arbourthorne drive-by.

He was also found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life over a shooting on Northcote Avenue, Heeley, two days earlier.

Detective Chief Inspector Jade Brice, who led the investigation, said lyrics in Dunford’s rap were connected to the Arbourthorne shooting.

One line – ‘youth caught a stray’ – describes a child being hit by a bullet.

Another, about turning ‘a man’s hoodie, into a vest top,’ refers to the shot which hit another child's jacket hood.

DCI Brice said: “This was a shocking event to happen on the streets of a regular Sheffield suburb, where families live, where hard-working people live.

“They should not have to put up with this type of criminality. I hope they share some relief that this man is behind bars and will be for a considerable amount of time.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people that if they have information about armed criminality or violence where they live, please talk to us, please share information with us. You can truly make a difference to an investigation like this.”

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