South Yorkshire Police say shooting and arson attacks are linked

Officers investigating a shooting and three arson attacks say they believe the incidents are linked.

Police were called to Hanover Street in Thurnscoe, near Barnsley, at 18:20 GMT on Thursday after shots were fired at a house and a vehicle was set on fire.

A few hours later, at 21:07, a second car was set alight in South Drive, in Bolton-Upon-Dearne, and a fire was started at a gym in nearby High Street.

Nobody was injured in the attacks, South Yorkshire Police said.

Appealing for information, Supt Emma Wheatcroft said: "We will not tolerate the risk that violent criminals with guns pose to our communities.

"We need to know who is involved in gun crime and where they are storing guns.

"We need our communities to talk to us and to share information, no matter how small you believe it to be.

"Greater intelligence enables us to execute warrants, arrest more suspects, and ultimately put those responsible behind bars."

The force said officers remained in the areas around Hanover Street and High Street while forensic and ballistic evidence was obtained.

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