IPSWICH: Friends of Liam Rumsey today told of their disbelief after he was left fighting for his life following an alleged attack at Orwell Country Park.

Ten people have now been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on the 21-year-old on Monday.

Six of them were detained on suspicion of attempting to murder Mr Rumsey, of Atherton Road, Ipswich.

Last night the former Chantry High School pupil remained in a critical condition, with those who know him well offering up prayers for his survival and sending their love to his family.

Samantha Dorrell, of Eccles Road, Ipswich, said: “Everyone is praying for Liam to have a speedy recovery.

“He is a lovely person and no one can believe this has happened to him.

“Liam is a very good school friend of mine and others. We are thinking of Liam and all his family.”

Ash Crouch, from Vinery Road, Bury St Edmunds, said: “As a friend of Liam’s I send my prayers and thoughts and best wishes to his family and to Liam.

“All of us at work are hoping and praying for his safe return.”

Four more male suspects were taken into custody yesterday.

The arrests all took place in the Ipswich area – and included two 21-year-olds, a 22-year-old and a 23-year-old.

The 22-year-old and one of the 21-year-olds were taken to Bury St Edmunds police station for questioning while the third man was quizzed at Ipswich police station.

The arrests came as a 20-year-old woman, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Wednesday, was still being questioned.

Four other young men were arrested of suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent just over an hour after an incident at the country park in Nacton.

Although police have not named Mr Rumsey, Anne-Marie Breach, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said he remained in a “critical, but stable” condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

The five males arrested before yesterday have been released on police bail pending further 1nquiries.

A 20-year-old Ipswich man, also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, is due to answer bail on May 24.

A 17-year-old, two 18-year-olds and a 20-year-old – also from Ipswich – are due to return to see police at the end of June.

The quartet were arrested in Bixley Road at around 5.10pm on Monday.

Mr Rumsey, of Atherton Road, Ipswich, was injured at around 3.50pm on the same day in a clearing in Bridge Wood.

Police have renewed appeals for anyone in the area of Orwell Country Park between 3pm and 4pm on Monday to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Suffolk and Norfolk Major Investigation Team on 01473 613500.

n If you know Mr Rumsey, telephone The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324790 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk