DETECTIVES leading the manhunt for two men thought to be responsible for a vicious stabbing in Ipswich town centre today said clubbers and CCTV footage could prove crucial in the case.

POLICE have today issued an appeal for clubbers to come forward to help find those responsible for a vicious stabbing in Ipswich town centre.

As they continued their search for the men who carried out the attack, the 12-strong team handling the investigation urged people who were in the town centre at the time of the attack to get in touch as they could hold vital information.

Kesgrave teenager Mathew Buckman remained in a critical condition in Ipswich Hospital today after suffering serious injuries to his neck, face, left ear and wrist in the attack.

Suffolk police said detectives were continuing with their enquiries today after the attack in the early hours of yesterday morning. The incident happened at about 1.45am in an alleyway off Upper Brook Street.

They said 19-year-old Mr Buckman was involved in an altercation with the two men.

Overnight detectives received a small number of calls from the public offering information.

Detective Chief Inspector David Skevington, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to thank those who have rung us so far, offering information. But I would stress that we would still like to hear from more people who could help us.

“This incident happened at a time when there would have been a considerable number of people about, leaving pubs and clubs and visiting fast-foot outlets in the area close to where this incident took place.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area between 1.15am and 1.45am who has information to come forward immediately.”

Cordons which were put in place around the alleyway and outside Zing wine bar in Tacket Street, where Mr Buckman sought help from people in the street, have now been removed.

Suffolk police said detectives were continuing to speak to people in the area and are in the process of analysing CCTV footage to see if it could assist with the investigation.

Police have issued basic descriptions of the men they are looking for. The first is described as white, approximately 5ft 9in tall, clean shaven, with short fair hair and aged in his late teens or early 20s.

The second is described as being taller than the first man with short dark hair.

Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Did you witness this attack? Did you see Mr Buckman in Ipswich town centre on Sunday morning? Have you been a victim of violent crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.