Ipswich MP Sandy Martin is seeking an assurance from the police that they are taking knife crime and gang culture in the town seriously enough.
He is to meet Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore and Chief Constable Gareth Wilson later this month – a meeting that has been given added focus by the two knife incidents in the east of the town at the start of this week.
Mr Martin said: “I think the situation is very serious. I wrote to Tim Passmore and the Chief Constable at the end of July and we have arranged a meeting for August 30.
“I am not convinced that the situation is being treated with the coverage it deserves and I think we need a better understanding of what is happening in the town.”
He hoped that the meeting would allow everyone to have a better understanding of the concerns felt by some residents.
Temporary Superintendent Simon Mills said: “We have, for many months, been putting resources into reducing knife crime and violent crime in Ipswich.
“The operations such as Operation Sceptre and Electricity and the ongoing work with the urban street gang unit reflect some of the proactive work we have been doing in Ipswich and the wider county.”
The University of Suffolk has been commissioned by the county council to produce a report on gang culture and knife crime in the county – which is expected to focus on Ipswich.
It is still being written but it is due to be published at the beginning of September and is expected to be studied with even greater interest in the wake of recent events in the town.
Mr Martin said the work would be a very important element looking at how the town meets the challenge of knife and gang-related crime that has hit the headlines too often over recent months.
Ipswich Mayor Sarah Barber is a borough councillor in the Priory Heath Ward which includes Hilton Road where two people suffered stab injuries during an incident on Monday night.
She said: “Like all residents, I was shocked by this incident and my sympathies go out to the victims and their families and friends.
“I always receive a warm welcome when I am here in this part of Ipswich and I know everyone supports the police in their work to keep the area safe.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here