Shot boy 'hid life from family'

The teenager was known to police before his death

The father of a boy shot dead in Sheffield in a possible gang-related attack said he did not realise the lifestyle his son was involved in.

Tarek Chaiboub, 17, from Wincobank, was gunned down in a barber's shop on Spital Street in Burgreave on Friday.

His father Rashid Chaiboub said: "I did not realise that his destiny was shaping outside of my hands."

Police said Tarek, who died from gun shot wounds to his back, was probably carrying a gun when he was killed.

At a police news conference Mr Chaiboub urged other parents to have a close relationship with their children to prevent similar deaths.

He added: "Our son Tarek was growing up as a self-confident shining boy with an independent personality which I was proud of.

My message to parents is do not rely much on the independence of your kids Rashid Chaiboub, father of Tarek

"But he was not sharing much of his thoughts and feelings with us as a family.

"My message to parents is do not rely much on the independence of your kids. Get closer to them. Kids remain kids."

The teenager who was known locally as GT had two sisters and a brother.

Police said they were pursuing some positive information from members of the public about the shooting, which could be gang-related.

Ch Supt Paul Broadbent said: "In my opinion there may well be a gang element involved in this particular crime."

The senior officer said he could not yet confirm reports that the victim had been released from hospital a week earlier after a knife attack on him.

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

The officer added: "This is a tragic, awful, loss of life. This was someone's son, brother."