Letter from the editor: We all have safety fears now so let’s support police action

That doesn’t just mean our NHS and care teams, but also the police. It is really important that we don’t create any unecessary work for any of these groups as a whole but also as individuals who are just as concerned as we are about living through a pandemic.

That is why it is with a heavy heart that we felt the need to get such a strong anti gun crime message on today’s front page.

We should never have to print such stories because these awful problems should not plague our city. However, while they do, we will keep supporting our police to stamp it out and know that the vast majority of Sheffield feels exactly the same.

That such things happen when we are all supposed to be staying home and staying safe is simply awful. Perhaps it was simplistically optimistic to hope that those who don’t normally bother to obey laws would follow the new rules of lockdowns. But it is still infuriating.

There is never any excuse to use a gun or a knife. There is just no good reason. I understand that it is awfully difficult for youngsters once they get trapped in that cycle of exploitation and gangs, but there are ways out. Shooting somebody or becoming a victim of violent crime is not.

The vast majority of Sheffield will never accept guns and knives as part of our city. They do not belong here.

At this time when the police are doing what they can to help with lockdown and stop the spread of a killer disease, the last thing they need is warfare between rival criminal gangs.

Families are already being torn apart and this city has lost too many people to coronavirus. Let’s not make it any worse.

Make sure you know where your children are at all times, even when they are allowed out for longer periods of sport and exercise. We all – as parents, friends and neighbours – have a responsibility here and we can make a difference. If you are concerned, then get in touch with one of the many groups which can reach out to youngsters who are veering towards the wrong path. There are options out there for all Sheffielders.

This city is ours and we must all work together to protect every person who lives here.