A significant police operation unfolded on Broad Street, Sheffield, late Monday evening involving armed officers and the evacuation of residents from the Gateway apartments. South Yorkshire Police received emergency calls around 19:00 GMT concerning a man allegedly possessing weapons inside the complex.
Upon arrival, police quickly assessed the situation. "We responded to concerns for a man inside a property, alleged to have weapons and pose a risk to himself," stated a police spokesperson. Emergency services swiftly evacuated residents from the Gateway building and instructed individuals from neighboring properties to remain indoors for their safety.
The aftermath of the event resulted in the closure of Sheffield Parkway between Park Square roundabout and Derek Dooley Way, with multiple surrounding roads also shut down, affecting traffic flow significantly. Reports suggest this closure is expected to last well beyond Monday evening, with police advising motorists to choose alternative routes.
Residents evacuated from the Gateway apartments took refuge at the nearby Ponds Forge sports center. One resident recounted the experience, saying, "Police evacuated The Gateway building just after 7:30 PM; we were then told by police around 9 PM about the nearby Ponds Forge leisure center being set up to receive us." The resident noted provisions made for the evacuees, such as water, snacks, and blankets to stay comfortable overnight.
The police incident attracted considerable attention with photos surfacing on social media showing the large presence of law enforcement officers and emergency vehicles. "There are about 10 police vehicles here at the Gateway apartments," reported Xanthe Palmer from BBC Radio Sheffield. A welfare van also arrived at the location to provide refreshments to emergency personnel involved, highlighting the extended effort required to manage the situation.
Public transport services were not spared from the disruption. South Yorkshire Transport Supertram announced severe delays across its network due to the police operation. Affected routes included those running toward the city center, with multiple bus service diversions implemented to navigate around the road closures.
The police response included not only local officers but also support from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the Fire Service, which prepared fire engines on standby should the need arise. A Yorkshire Fire Service spokesperson noted their involvement, highlighting the collaborative effort by all emergency services to keep the public safe.
Despite the challenging situation, the police continued to urge the public to remain informed through updates via social media. They confirmed, as of Tuesday morning, the situation was still active, and South Yorkshire Police would provide guidance for local travel and safety.
The scene has been described as chaotic, with residents and commuters alike feeling the impacts of this significant police action. Although no injuries have been reported, the police highlighted the seriousness of the incident with concerns for the man involved and the potential risks to public safety.
Moving forward, authorities are working diligently to resolve the incident. The police's strategic approach emphasizes both community safety and efficient handling of the event. With the investigation still underway, residents and citizens are left to navigate the challenges posed by the disruption in one of Sheffield's key districts.