BROOMHALL SHOOTING: Tensions bubbling in area for weeks before shooting, claim
A COMMUNITY leader in Broomhall says the fatal Brunswick Street shooting took place against a background of weeks of tension in the area.
Although police have confirmed the drive-by murder is unrelated to problems between Somali and Afro-Carribbean youths, it has "compounded" unease felt by residents, locals say.
The community leader, who asked not to be named, said there has been continued tension, spilling into violence, over territory and drugs.
He said: "Problems started about two years ago but last year, after related incidents including a stabbing outside Primark in the city centre last year, a truce was agreed by elders from each community.
"It has broken down over the last few weeks. A fortnight ago, two groups of youths carrying weapons including metal bars gathered on Devonshire Green, but were spotted and police broke them up."
The community leader added windows have been smashed at the Broomhall Forum on Exeter Drive, and youth workers threatened.
He said an "innocent" 16-year-old girl was also assaulted, suffering bruising.
The groups of troublemakers in Broomhall are each said to number around 30 to 40 youths, who call on help from outside - the Somalis from Upperthorpe and the Afro-Carribbeans from Pitsmoor.
Most gang members in the neighbourhood come from a small number of 'problem' families, the community leader said.
He claimed the gangs are routinely armed, mainly with knives rather than guns, and are involved with drugs.
"At night, it's frightening," he admitted. "The council and police have held meetings in the community to try to resolve the situation but it hasn't worked and something needs to be done."
After a meeting held between police and city leaders, Sheffield Council leader Coun Paul Scriven told The Star: "It's agreed that the focus in the short-term will be on ensuring everything possible is done to bring those responsible for the murder to justice.
"This does not involve a dispute between racial groups and appears to have been a targeted criminal act."
He added: "It was agreed that the police and council will work to review all the other issues within Broomhall in the long-term."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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