Sheffield Council leader finally condemns shooting of boy, 12, in her ward

A 12-year-old boy was shot in his leg as a gun was fired from a passing car towards a group of children standing together on Northern Avenue, on the Arbourthorne estate, on Sunday afternoon.

Arbourthorne is part of Council Leader Julie Dore’s ward but while her colleagues were quick to condemn the shooting and reassure the community, it has taken her days to comment.

She said today: “First and foremost I am thinking of the young boy who is the victim of this attack and his family.

“What has happened is appalling and something that no young person and their family should have to go through. I very much hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.

“This appalling act has righty shocked everyone in the community and the people who have committed this appalling act must be brought to justice and the police have started making arrests.

“People should have the right to expect to feel safe in their community and the police are taking action to increase their presence in the area to make sure people are safe.”

Her fellow ward councillor Ben Miskell was first to issue a statement on Monday. He said: “The community is outraged and united in its disgust at the spate of firearms incidents over recent weeks.

“We are heartbroken that an innocent 12-year-old boy was injured in the latest incident and the entire community wishes him a speedy recovery.

“Everyone needs to feel safe in Arbourthorne and the community are understandably demanding action and answers. I stand with them and say enough is enough.”

He then issued a second statement on Tuesday evening, in the wake of two arrests, thanking South Yorkshire Police for their response to the shooting.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, was also quick to respond on Monday. He has pledged to work together with Sheffield Council and other partners to end violence in the city.