'Too much violence for too long' in Doncaster community struck by murder of 20-year-old man

Floral Tributes laid at Wath Road, Mexborough, following the death of a 20-year-old man in what policed said was a "targeted" shooting. Picture: Marie Caley

Five people aged between 16 and 23 have been arrested after the young man was shot and killed in Mexborough, Doncaster, on Monday, in what detectives said was a "targeted attack".

Emergency services were called to Watch Road in the afternoon where the man was found with suspected gunshot wounds. Paramedics tried to save him but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

South Yorkshire Police has not named the man who died, but said on Tuesday that his family had been informed and that a formal identification was yet to take place.

The scene at Wath Road, Mexborough, on Tuesday following the death of a 20-year-old man in what policed said was a "targeted" shooting. Picture: Marie Caley

Two boys aged 16 and 17 and two men aged 20 and 23 have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A fifth man - aged 20 and from Rotherham - was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All five remained in custody on Wednesday morning.

Following the death, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Billings condemned acts of violence and said such tragic incidents "created fear in communities" as well as inflicting grief upon families.

"This is a tragic and unnecessary loss of a young life and I feel for the victim’s family and those affected," Dr Billings said.

“Incidents of serious violence like this not only result in loss of life and grief for families but they create fear in communities. This part of Doncaster in particular has suffered too much violence for too long.

“I utterly condemn this senseless killing and pledge that the Chief Constable and the Doncaster District police shall have whatever resources they need to bring perpetrators to justice.

“South Yorkshire police have done a great deal in recent months to tackle violent crime and those who are involved, but they cannot do it alone.

"This type of violence needs a police and community wide approach. People know who is involved, and I urge them to come forward and help put an end to the violence that blights their streets."

Speaking on Tuesday, Supt Neil Thomas said: “There will be a large number of officers in the area in the coming days as we continue to investigate this horrendous incident, in which a young man has tragically died.

“We believe that the incident was a targeted attack.

“We now need the help of the community to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has any information which may help, to talk to us.”