Revealed: Young mother shot dead outside Sheffield club was ‘innocent victim’ killed in gangland hit gone wrong

This is the first photograph of a young mother who was shot dead outside a Sheffield pub in what is thought to have been a gang attack gone wrong while partying for the night.

Shanice Brookes, 30, a digital creator and photographer, was killed in the early hours of Monday morning.

Ms Brookes is believed to have lived close to the target of the alleged gangsters and was hit by gunfire at around 2.45am.

South Yorkshire Police said he was just an innocent bystander ‘enjoying a night out’ when he was fatally shot as they released CCTV footage of a white Audi they believe was part of the drive-by shooting.

Police rushed to the scene outside One Four One on West Street in the city center and found Ms Brookes seriously injured.

Shanice, who had also worked as a child and youth worker for the past five years, was treated by officers and paramedics but sadly later died in hospital.

A relative told the Daily Mail: ‘Shanice was an innocent woman; He left behind a little boy. We are devastated.’

In a statement released by police today, her family said: ‘Shanice had such a big heart and the kind of energy you will never forget.

Shanice was described as having ‘the biggest heart’ and ‘much loved’ by her family

Police have released CCTV footage of a white Audi on West Street in Sheffield city centre, believed to be involved in the assault.

‘She was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend and godmother, as well as a wonderful mother to her son and meant the world to him. To her cousins, she was more like a sister; someone they can always turn to for love, laughter and support.

‘Shanice would also graduate from university, a reflection of her determination, ambition and the bright future ahead of her.

‘She could light up any room she entered with her infectious laugh, beautiful spirit and magical aura. Shanice made people feel loved, safe, and valued by simply being herself.

‘He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him.’

Her friends shared the pain of their loss on social media, with one stating: ‘My life will never be the same.’

Another friend wrote: ‘Crazy, my heart hurts’.

One neighbor told the Daily Mail: ‘It was lovely. He always helped me with my shopping. He had a beautiful son and was about to graduate.’

Indeed, his LinkedIn shows that he has been studying photography, videography and graphic design for a three-year undergraduate degree at The Sheffield College since September 2023, and will finish this month.

A 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were arrested in Stockport on Tuesday, along with another 30-year-old man who was detained in Sheffield following the incident.

A mother-of-one has been described by police as an ‘innocent bystander’ who was fatally shot while out for the night.

West Street is the center of Sheffield’s nightlife and home to many popular pubs, bars and nightclubs.

All three suspects remain in custody as officers from South Yorkshire Police continue their investigations. Anyone who witnessed the attack is asked to come forward.

There was a large police presence at the scene on West Street, home to many of the city’s most popular bars, throughout Tuesday afternoon.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: ‘Shanice was a young woman in the prime of her life who was enjoying a night out in the city over the bank holiday weekend.

‘People often say innocent victims were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Shanice wasn’t in the wrong place at the wrong time; We should all be able to go out at night and know we’ll come home safe.

‘This incident clearly demonstrates the devastation that gun crime causes in families and communities, and I want to send a clear message to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those involved.

‘If you saw what happened on Monday morning or have any information about who was involved, please do not remain silent. Shanice’s family, including her young son, now faces the reality that they may never see her again. The reckless actions of others took his life away from him and the harsh truth is that any of us or our loved ones could have fallen victim to this senseless event.

‘We are carrying out a complex and comprehensive investigation to ensure justice for Shanice, but we need the public to come forward and tell us what they saw and what they know so we can ensure no other family has to experience the devastation that Shanice’s family is currently experiencing.’

Police released a photo from CCTV footage at the scene showing a white Audi they believe was involved in the murder.

They are appealing for anyone with information to come forward by calling 101 and quoting incident number 135 of 25 May 2026.