Caught on camera: Thugs holding Sheffield’s High Green estate ‘to ransom’

The CCTV pictures depict youngsters shooting at homes and each other as they carry air rifles and BB guns, sparking terror among the area’s residents, one of whom was fired at when she chose to confront them.

Families in Sheffield’s High Green estate say they are being “held to ransom” by gangs of yobs shooting at their homes and cars with the weapons.

A mother-of-three who released the appalling footage says she has been left terrified by the thugs, claiming one brave neighbour who confronted them was fired at by the gang.

The woman said: “Something needs done about this gang — they are putting pellets through windows and cars and it is only a matter of time before somebody is hurt.

“They have intimidated, threatened and terrorised people for too long now.”

South Yorkshire Police said of the terrifying string of incidents: “We take reports of firearms and gun crime incredibly seriously in South Yorkshire and this story gives us cause for concern.”

The spokesman for the force urged residents to report incidents adding the footage had given them “cause for concern”.

A residents’ association spokesman for the area said: “Our community is entitled to live free of fear, intimidation or damage and loss.

“The few that are committing these offences should not hold the estate to ransom.

“We have lodged a request for a meeting with the police, Crime Commissioner, council housing, council ASBO team, councillors and prospective councillors to discuss the behaviour.

The spokesman for the Angram Bank Tenants’ and Residents’ association added: “I tell you why you must report these goings on. Until the police can prove who these criminals are they can’t act.

“The police are human beings not mind readers, none of us want people being arrested without evidence, so it’s up to you to do your bit to make High Green a lovely place to live again.”

“If there is CCTV evidence of these crimes being committed, this needs to be shared with police so we can begin an investigation into the reported offences.

“We await our meeting with the local community to discuss these concerns and in the meantime, if anyone does hold any information about individuals they believe could be in possession of a rearm or is using a rearm in a threatening manner, please call us on 101 or 999 if a life is at risk.”