Sheffield student flats under police cordon amid ‘armed standoff’

Blocks of student flats are currently within a police cordon amid an ongoing armed police standoff in Sheffield.

Police were called to the Gateway Building on Broad Street in Sheffield at around 7pm yesterday evening due to “concerns for a man inside a property, alleged to have weapons and pose a risk to himself”.

The Gateway Building was evacuated and a large police cordon – surrounding Park Square roundabout – remains in place.

The building neighbours The Pinnacles – a student accommodation home to Sheffield Hallam University students. Residents in The Pinnacles have not been evacuated, but were earlier told to remain inside – with students taking to TikTok, speaking of a “lockdown”.

They have now received a notification from Universal Students, which owns the accommodation, saying to only exit the site using “the gate at the top of the stairs by A block”. A block is the furthest from the Gateway Building.

The notification also added that “the common room and main gate are now included in the police cordon”.

Affected residents have also been addressed a letter from South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnet, thanking them for “cooperation so far” .

It added of the man alleged to have weapons in the Gateway Building that “specialist officers are continuing to negotiate with the resident to bring the incident to a safe and swift conclusion.”

The Sheffield Tab spoke to Hallam student, Jake Chapman, who lives in the Pinnacle building

Jake Chapman, 21, a Sheffield Hallam student living in Block C – closest to the Gateway, told us that he first heard about the incident after receiving a photo of police outside the building on a group chat.

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He added: “I was late getting to work [this morning] – because obviously last night I was expecting this to be done. ”

Tom, 19, who lives in the Pinnacle, watched as people evacuated last night and said the events felt “a little bit threatening”.

Of residents’ current uncertainty on events, he said: “When you’re next door, if they had any idea what had been going on, it would be nice to know. It felt a bit weird.”

He added they had been asked to only leave for “essentials”, and that he had seen “the rumour mill was spinning” online.

Another Pinnacle resident and student, Cameron, 21, said he had spoken to others in the building who were feeling concerned by events. He added that the event had caused disruption to his day and he had not made it in to university as a result.

Students Cameron (left) and Elliot (right)

Ponds Forge is currently closed to the public as residents from the Gateway Building are being housed in the complex. It’s unclear how long the situation could continue.

Sheffield Hallam University said in a statement posted to Instagram: “We’re aware of an incident affecting the city centre around Park Square. Police and emergency services remain at the scene.

“The university remains open as usual. As there is travel disruption, we understand if you’re delayed or unable to attend your teaching on campus today. If you need further support please contact Hallam Help.”

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “Road closures continue to be in place as emergency services remain on scene at an on-going incident in Sheffield.Last night (10th February) just after 7pm we responded to concerns for a man inside a property on Broad Street. The man is alleged to be in possession of weapons and pose a risk to himself.

“The Sheffield Parkway between Park Square roundabout and Derek Dooley Way remains closed in both directions while specialist officers continue to negotiate with the man. To increase the safety of those living nearby, surrounding properties have been evacuated, and affected residents are being cared for at Ponds Forge by Sheffield City Council.

“We understand the disruption and impact this incident is having on our communities, those affected by the evacuation, roads closures and those concerned for loved ones in the area. Our aim is to bring the incident to a close safely and get everyone and their families back to their homes as soon as possible.

“Please continue to avoid the area. Trams and public transport continue to be affected and those travelling are asked to visit https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-gb/supertram/home for further information and timetables. We appreciate your support and co-operation so far.”

Universal Students has been contacted for comments

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