Police chief plea: ‘Don’t be alarmed’ about shootings

Supt Martin Hemigway of South Yorkshire Police said officers were still investigating incidents in the Halfway and London Road areas of Sheffield and appealed for help to catch the gunmen.

He said the 18-year-old man shot in the stomach at 3.05am in Halfway was from nearby suburb Westfield. He had been at a house party before the attack and was in a serious condition in hospital.

The second victim, a 45-year-old from the city’s Manor estate, was also said to be in a serious condition after he was shot in the shoulder on busy London Road, close to the city centre.

Supt Hemingway said: “We do not believe these attacks are linked at this time, but of course we will keep an open mind.

“They do, however share one thing in common - there are a number of people out there who know exactly what took place and who is responsible. We would urge them to contact us as soon as possible.

“These very serious offences take place against the background of another year in which violent crime has reduced in Sheffield and there is no reason for the general public to be alarmed.”