A young mother shot dead outside a Sheffield city centre bar was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a gangland hit, police have confirmed.
Shanice Brookes, 30, was fatally wounded in the early hours of Monday, May 25, outside the One Four One bar on West Street. She was celebrating the bank holiday weekend when the shooting occurred. Despite being rushed to hospital, she died from her injuries, leaving behind a young son.
Arrests Made
Two men, both aged 30, and a 32-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody for questioning as investigations continue.
According to reports, Brookes was sitting near the intended target, believed to be a gang member, but was struck by stray bullets. A relative told the media: 'Shanice was an innocent woman – she leaves behind a little boy. We are devastated.'
Police Appeal
Chief Superintendent Jamie Henderson stated: 'Following extensive enquiries over the last 36 hours, we believe the victim was an innocent bystander who was on a night out in our city to celebrate the bank holiday weekend.'
He urged anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who were in the area at the time. 'We know that West Street and Eldon Street were both busy at the time of this incident, and there were people who saw what happened who haven’t come forward yet,' he said.
Henderson also acknowledged that some members of the community may be afraid to speak out. 'We also know there are others within our communities who know who is responsible or who is involved in gun crime but feel too scared to tell us what they know,' he added.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
