Detectives' plea for shooting witnesses

DETECTIVES in Ipswich have promised to help protect anyone with vital information about the shooting of a man in the town.

The victim was wounded in the groin after trouble broke out at the Caribbean Club in Woodbridge Road early on Saturday morning.

Four other people were hurt during the violence.

A full-scale fight broke out after 300 people went to the club for a Bashy Friday event. It is believed around 200 of them came from London.

Police already in Ipswich town centre were said to have been quick to respond and contain the situation. Other officers were then drafted in from areas such as Felixstowe and Woodbridge to help.

The man leading the inquiry Detective Inspector David Cutler has reassured potential witnesses that they can be confident police will help them overcome any fears about coming forward.

He said: “I would like to make an appeal to anyone who was in the club to come forward and have confidence in us. If they have any concerns about safety come and speak to us, because we will be able to manage that.

“It is essential the community has confidence in our investigation and works closely with us if we are going to solve this.”

Around 20 officers are working on the inquiry in Suffolk, with the Metropolitan Police also trying to trace as many people as they can who were in the club.

Three 49-seater coaches brought people from east London, Kilburn and Brent. Fellow revellers from the capital travelled in cars and other vehicles.

Closed circuit television cameras and forensics are also forming an important part of the investigation.

Five people from Ipswich required hospital treatment as a result of the trouble, but all were released from hospital on Saturday.

Anyone with information is urged to telephone 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.