A VICTIM of a drive-by dart shooting is today beginning a three-month wait to see if she has been infected with a deadly disease.The 24-year-old woman, who was hit while crossing Woodbridge Road, near to Argyle Street, in Ipswich, was left in hospital following the attack.

A VICTIM of a drive-by dart shooting is today beginning a three-month wait to see if she has been infected with a deadly disease.

The 24-year-old woman, who was hit while crossing Woodbridge Road, near to Argyle Street, in Ipswich, was left in hospital following the attack.

As revealed in later editions of yesterday's Evening Star, she suffered a 4cm gash in her stomach after being struck by the dart in the first of three attacks within ten minutes on Saturday.

Now she will have to undergo more tests to see if she has been infected by the weapon.

She said: "The doctor's have said there's a possibility the dart may have been carrying a virus. They've said there's a slight possibility it could've been carrying Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV and I've got to wait three months to get the results.

"I've now got to have regular tests now and be kept under observation. Three months is a long time to wait but I can't say anything about it right now. I'm just in deep shock."

She appealed for anyone with information about the crime to come forward, particularly in light of the attacks on other victims.

Her husband, who had been crossing the road with her at about 3.30pm, also sustained a slight injury to his thigh. A second dart was found nearby.

Ten minutes later, a 22-year-old man, who had just parked his car in Woodbridge Road, near to the Sidegate Lane traffic lights, was hit in the buttock as he went to the boot of his car.

The victim of the first attack said: "This has been a terrible incident for us and it's important the culprits are caught.

"I was just going about my normal daily business when a car went past with three passengers inside.

"It's dangerous for everybody because someone else was hurt after me."

Her husband added: "I really want the attackers to be caught. It has really affected my wife and she won't go out anymore."

The attackers drove away in a silver-coloured car towards the Sidegate Lane traffic lights.

The three darts, which have been recovered, are around 11cm long and have different coloured ends. Two were green and one yellow.

Detective Sergeant Bernie Morgan said: "These are very serious assaults where the victims, especially the lady who received treatment at hospital, have been left shaken by their experience.

"We're hoping that someone may recognise these darts, or where they have come from. Equally we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed these incidents."

Calls in relation to this incident should be made to Pc Jim Goodall at Ipswich Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.