The Home Office described yesterday’s shooting in Sheffield city centre as ‘truly shocking’, and has announced that it will offer support to police and other crime agencies throughout investigations.

Police were called to the shooting, which took place on London Road, at 5.17pm last night, Monday 24 November. A 16-year-old boy found at the scene was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound, and remains in critical condition.

Following a statement from South Yorkshire Police this morning, the Home Office has been next to comment on the tragic incident. A spokesperson said: “The shooting of a teenage boy in Sheffield yesterday is truly shocking and our thoughts are with him and all those affected. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of youth violence.

“We are working with the police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to ensure we have the right laws, intelligence, detection and enforcement capabilities to tackle the threat posed by gun crime.

Police remained at the scene overnight to continue their invesitgations, and London Road will be closed for the foreseeable future. No arrests have been made so far.