South Yorkshire Police are investigating after shots were fired at a house in Paxton Avenue, Carcroft, in the early hours of 22 July. Officers received the first report of the suspected shooting on the morning of 23 July but say enquiries point to the discharge having taken place the previous night.
What happened
Police believe a black SUV-style vehicle pulled up outside the address at around 1.55am on Wednesday, 22 July, and a firearm was discharged from the rear of the vehicle towards a house on the street. Thankfully, officers say no-one was injured as a result of the incident.
| Key times and dates | Details |
|---|---|
| 1.55am, 22 July | Vehicle arrives in Paxton Avenue and a shot is fired towards a house |
| 8.12am, 23 July | Police receive first report of the suspected shooting |
| Following days | Arrest made; man later released on police bail |
Arrest and enquiries
A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent. He was also arrested in connection with a separate reported arson incident in the area on 16 July 2026. The man has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Police appeal to the community
Detective Inspector Matt Barnes of the Armed Crime Team has appealed for information, stressing the danger firearms pose to residents. He said investigators are grateful to the person who reported the shooting but warned that the delay between the discharge and the call to police gave whoever fired the weapon time and space to act again.
“Firearms, and those who carry them, put innocent people’s lives in immediate danger and it will not be tolerated in Doncaster or anywhere else in South Yorkshire.”
Officers are carrying out CCTV checks and other lines of inquiry. They have urged anyone with suspicions or information to contact South Yorkshire Police. If you saw the vehicle, the people involved, or have dashcam or doorbell footage from Paxton Avenue on the night of 21-22 July, you are asked to get in touch.
- If a crime is happening or you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
- To report information to police that is not an emergency, call 101 or use the South Yorkshire Police online reporting service.
- Provide any footage or times that could assist officers with CCTV enquiries.
The shooting and the linked arson allegation have raised understandable concern among neighbours in Carcroft. Police say they are working to piece together the events and to ensure those responsible are brought to account. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
