Four people have been arrested in connection with an alleged robbery at gunpoint in the Tinsley area of Sheffield, only 25 minutes after a 999 call.

South Yorkshire Police call handlers were informed on Tuesday 14 October that a man stepped into the path of the victim’s car, then reached through the window and snatched the ignition key.

Chief Inspector Jon Greaves said: “Our armed officers are trained professionals and ready to respond in real time to threats involving dangerous weapons on our streets.

“Incidents of this nature are treated extremely seriously in order to protect the public who can expect a swift response in apprehending those suspected of being involved in gun crime or associated serious criminality, including robberies.

After showing the victim what he believed was a firearm and ordering him to exit, the suspect drove off in the car, leaving the victim stranded in the street.

Once the details of the incident were taken down, armed officers were sent to the location to apprehend the driver of the vehicle, and any passengers.

Just 25 minutes after the initial call, the officers tracked down the vehicle and brought it safely to a stop in Broom, Rotherham.

Two men, aged 21 and 22, an 18-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of robbery, though a search of the suspects and the vehicle failed to recover any firearm.

Chief Inspector Jon Greaves added: “From the moment the call was received, officers on the ground liaised with call handlers to quickly track down the vehicle and bring it to a stop, preventing any further harm or risk of harm to the public.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who pose a danger to our communities and react swiftly to reports of anyone suspected of being armed with a dangerous weapon.”