A 30-year-old “innocent bystander” who died after she was shot outside a Sheffield bar has been described as an “amazing mum” who would “light up every room she walked into”.
Shanice Brookes was shot near the One Four One bar in West Street shortly before 2.45am on Monday, according to detectives who said “she was simply an innocent bystander”.
On Wednesday, Ms Brookes’ family issued a statement which said she lived in Sheffield where she worked for a local charity and was in the process of completing a university degree.
Her family said: “She could light up every room she walked into 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.”
The statement 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.”
South Yorkshire Police said officers were called to West Street, which is a busy area of Sheffield known for its bars and restaurants, where Ms Brookes was found with serious injuries.
She was taken to hospital where she later died, according to the force.
Detectives have released a CCTV image showing a white Audi that they believe was involved in the incident, and are appealing for anyone who was on West Street or Eldon Street in the early hours of Monday morning to come forward if they saw anything.
Two men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident.
One man, 30, and the woman, 32, were arrested near Stockport in Greater Manchester during the early hours of Monday morning.
Officers have been given further time to question them both into Thursday, the force said.
The second man, 30, was arrested in Sheffield, but has now been released and is no longer being treated as a suspect, officers said.
On Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: “Today, we have formally identified Shanice as the victim fatally injured in this incident, and our thoughts are with her family and the many people who knew and loved her.
“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.”
Mr Knowles said: “If you saw what happened on Monday morning, or have information about who was involved, please do not stay silent.
“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.
“We are carrying out a complex and comprehensive investigation to secure 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 goes through the devastation Shanice’s family are experiencing right now.”
