Woman shot dead outside Sheffield bar had ‘biggest heart’, say family

Relatives pay tribute to Shanice Brookes, 30, a charity worker and mum who had ‘energy you could never forget’

The family of a woman who was an innocent bystander when she was fatally shot outside a bar in Sheffield city centre at the weekend have paid tribute to her.

South Yorkshire police on Wednesday named the victim as Shanice Brookes, a 30-year-old charity worker. Her family described Brookes, who lived in Sheffield, as “one of a kind” with the “biggest heart” and “energy you could never forget”.

As well as working for a local charity, Brookes was the mother of a boy and was completing a university degree.

She was outside the One Four One bar shortly before 2.45am on Monday when, police said, she was “senselessly shot during an incident to which she was simply an innocent bystander”.

Brookes was treated at the scene by police and paramedics before being taken to hospital, where she died.

In a tribute, her family said: “Shanice had the biggest heart and the kind of energy you could never forget. She was a deeply loved daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend and godmother, as well as being an amazing mum to her son, who meant the world to her. To her cousins, she was more like a sister – someone they could always turn to for love, laughter and support.

“Shanice was also due to graduate from university, a reflection of her determination, ambition and the bright future ahead of her.

“She could light up every room she walked in to with her infectious laugh, beautiful soul and magical aura. Shanice made people feel loved, safe and valued simply by being herself. She was truly one of a kind and she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.”

Police urged anyone who saw what happened to come forward. They have released an image of a vehicle they believe was involved in the incident.

DCI Andy Knowles, of South Yorkshire police, said: “Shanice was a young woman who was in the prime of her life and was simply enjoying a night out in the city centre over the bank holiday weekend.

“People often say innocent victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Shanice was not in the wrong place at the wrong time – we should all be able to go on nights out and know that we will come home safely.

“This incident lays bare the devastation gun crime causes within families and communities and I want to send a clear message to those who witnessed the incident or have information on those involved.” He urged people with information: “Please do not stay silent.”

He added: “Shanice’s family, including her young son, are now facing the heartbreaking reality that they will never see her again. The reckless actions of others have taken her life away from her and the sad reality is that any of us, or our loved ones, could have been the victim of this senseless incident.”

A 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder near Stockport after the shooting. Police said they remained in custody. Officers were given further time to question them into Thursday.