This is the final straw, says father of boy, 12, shot while playing out
THE FATHER of a 12-year-old boy who was shot while playing with his friends in Sheffield has called for an end to violence on the streets of South Yorkshire.
The boy suffered serious injuries after he was shot in the thigh.
He was taken to hospital for surgery following the shooting in Northern Avenue, on Sunday afternoon. In a statement, the boy’s father said: “On Sunday afternoon, my son, who is just 12 years old, was out playing with his friends, when he was shot in broad daylight.
“This is a shocking and horrifying thing for a parent to hear has happened to their child.
“Things are getting out of hand, people need to stop living in fear and we need to get these armed thugs off the streets.
“When our children are affected by violence, that is the final straw.
“I have confidence that the police are doing all they can but if you have any information that might help them please tell them, speak to them and help them with their investigation.”
Two people have since been arrested in connection with the incident.
A 25-year-old man arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a firearm remains in custody.
A 30-year-old man arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a firearm has been released on bail.
The shooting of the boy was the eighth shooting in South Yorkshire in an eight-day period.
Ward councillor Ben Miskell said: “The community is outraged and united in its disgust at the spate of firearms incidents over recent weeks.”
Sheffield Council Leader Julie Dore said her thoughts are with the 12-year-old boy and his family.
She said: “This appalling act has rightly 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.
The council leader added: “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.”