Man shot 'in targeted attack'

A young man who was shot dead today may have been the victim of gang-related violence, police have said.

South Yorkshire Police launched a murder inquiry after the man, thought to be in his early 20s or late teens, was shot in the Spital Hill area of Sheffield this afternoon.

Detectives said the incident is thought to have been a targeted attack rather than a random shooting.

But tonight Chief Supt Paul Broadbent told the Sheffield Star he did not believe the incident should leave the community in fear.

He told the paper: "It may well be gang-related, but we are keeping an open mind. We are not ruling anything out."

Officers have sealed off of an area of Spital Hill around a white forensic tent on Spital Street.

The shooting took place outside a local children's centre and, according to one report, there were children, staff and parents inside the building at the time.

Sheffield City Council said it is making facilities available tomorrow for anyone who was affected by the incident.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police have launched a murder investigation after a young man received a fatal gunshot wound in the Spital Hill area of Sheffield.

"Officers were alerted about the incident just after 1.45pm today.

"It's believed at this stage that this was not a random attack although the investigation is at an early stage.

"Patrols have been increased in the Spital Hill and Burngreave areas and police are conducting door-to-door inquiries."

She said the community policing team were reassuring residents in the area.

The spokeswoman added: "Anyone who saw anything or has any information should contact police on 0114 2202020."

The Spital Hill area of Sheffield and neighbouring Burngreave has seen a number of firearms incidents in recent years.

The scene of today's incident is only a few streets away from the small park where 16-year-old Jonathan Matondo was shot dead last October.