Shot boy 'probably carrying gun'

The teenager was killed on Friday afternoon as he left a barber's shop

A teenager shot dead in Sheffield was probably carrying a firearm, a senior officer has said.

The 17-year-old, who police have not yet named, was shot dead at a barber's shop on Spital Street on Friday.

Chief Superintendent Paul Broadbent said: "I believe he (the victim) was carrying a firearm." He also confirmed the shooting may well be gang-related.

Since the shooting extra officers have been patrolling the areas of Spital Hill and Burngreave close.

At a news conference on Saturday, Mr Broadbent said he could not yet confirm reports that the victim had been released from hospital a week earlier after a knife attack on him.

The incident happened a few streets away from where Jonathan Matondo, 16, was shot dead in October 2007.

We have made contact with him on a small number of occasions recently Ch Supt Paul Broadhurst

Mr Broadbent admitted the dead teenager was known to police before his death and said the investigation was looking at if it was a gang-related attack.

The police officer added: "He had been in touch with the police, or we have made contact with him on a small number of occasions recently if indeed it is the same person we think it is."

The police stressed that despite the murder the community were not in danger.

Mr Broadhurst said: "There are different interpretations of what a gang is - is it an organised crime group who carry guns or is it a small number of people who about on a street corner?"