‘Gang injunction’ used to curb shooting feud on Sheffield estate

Police said 12 men had been served with the civil orders as part of a crackdown following recent incidents in Parson Cross, Sheffield. It is the first time the powers have been used in Yorkshire.

Recent gun incidents, including one in which a house was fired upon, have left residents in the area shaken, and the local probation service has declared the estate a “no-go area” for its officers.

The injunctions were granted at Sheffield County Court on Thursday and provide police with extra powers to prevent gang-related violence.

Under the orders, officers can place restrictions on people known to be involved in organised violent crime.

Some of the restrictions granted in Parson Cross include curfews, restrictions on the use of mobile phones and associations with other people and restrictions on use of particular routes.

If any of the 12 individuals breach their injunction, they will appear before court within 24 hours and probably face imprisonment.

Chief Supt David Hartley, police commander for Sheffield, said: “South Yorkshire Police is one of the first forces to apply for and be granted these injunctions, demonstrating that we will take any necessary action to tackle organised criminal activity.

“Residents in Parson Cross and neighbouring communities will be aware of a number of recent incidents, some involving firearms. These have not been random incidents – they’re the result of a feud between local criminals and families who are known to police.

“Additional resources and high-visibility patrols have been taking place and the force applied for the injunctions as part of co-ordinated action to stop these individuals blighting the lives of the majority of people living in the area.

“I’m sure the local residents are utterly fed up with this criminality, and my commitment is to remove it, we will not tolerate this, and every step will be taken to ensure everyone involved ends up in our custody.

“The force has already made arrests in connection with incidents on Adlington Road and Cuthbert Bank Road, which we believe to be linked to the feud. This shows we will take action but we need the public’s help to bring offenders to justice.

“I would encourage members of the public with information to phone South Yorkshire Police on 101, in confidence, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“People could receive a reward of up to £1,000 if the information you give Crimestoppers leads to someone being arrested and charged.”