The family of a 30-year-old woman who died after she was shot outside a bar in Sheffield city centre have described her 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 in the early hours of Monday morning, with South Yorkshire Police saying she was “simply an innocent bystander”.
Ms Brookes worked for a local charity in Sheffield and was in the process of completing a university degree.
Her family issued a statement on Wednesday, saying: “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."
South Yorkshire Police said that officers were called to West Street, 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.
They have released a CCTV image of a white Audi that they believe was involved in the incident, and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
Two men and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident.
A 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were arrested near Stockport and remain in custody after officers were given further time to question them.
A 30-year-old man was arrested in Sheffield but has now been released and is no longer being treated as a suspect.
South Yorkshire Police described Ms Brookes’ shooting as "senseless" and “reckless”.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said on Wednesday: “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.”
“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.”
Anyone can report information directly online via the South Yorkshire Police Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101, quoting incident number 135 of 25 May 2026.
