Drive-by shooting raises fears over policing of city’s suburbs

Sheffield councillor Martin Lawton said areas of Sheffield like Richmond and Woodthorpe, which he represents, would benefit from some of the officers who patrol the busy city centre at weekends.

His comments were made in response to a drive-by shooting on Saturday in which a man suffered serious injuries.

Police believe the incident in Chadwick Road on the Woodthorpe estate in the early hours was a targeted attack.

The victim, a 27-year-old man, was hit in the leg at about 2.20am and left with serious injuries.

His condition in hospital last night was described as “serious” by South Yorkshire Police.

Det Insp Martin Tate said: “Initial enquiries suggest this shooting is targeted. There will be an increased police presence in the Manor Top area of Sheffield while we continue to investigate this serious incident.”

There have been several shootings in Sheffield this year but Coun Lawton said cities such as Manchester and Nottingham had more firearms incidents.

He said more needed to be done to tackle gang-related violence.

Coun Lawton said Sheffield city centre was well policed at weekends but the suburbs fared less well.

“In my view there needs to be more police in our suburbs at the weekend.”

Recent shootings across Sheffield have occurred in London Road and at Halfway Gardens, Halfway, and in the Manor and Arbourthorne areas.

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