A VICTIM of a late night theft today told how he has been left feeling suicidal after a gang of up to six thugs preyed on him in the street.

A VICTIM of a late night theft today told how he has been left feeling suicidal after a gang of up to six thugs preyed on him in the street.

Homeless David Lewis was walking along London Road, near to the junction with Stevenson Road, when the group, which was five or six strong, approached him and snatched his mobile phone.

The 34-year-old gave chase but in the process fell and hurt his shoulder, an injury which later required hospital treatment.

Mr Lewis, who has battled depression since his 22-year-old brother Tim was killed in a car crash a year ago, said the attack, which took place between 11.30pm on Thursday and 12.30am on Friday, had left him feeling scared to walk the streets.

He said: “I'm still trembling now. I feel suicidal because of it.

“It's been one thing after another. I have been made homeless, I have lost a brother and have just gone through the first anniversary of his death, and now this.

“I would not feel safe going out on the streets late at night now. I certainly wouldn't go out in London Road.”

Mr Lewis, who is currently living in a homeless unit in Norwich Road, said his attackers were all aged in their 20s, and all wore black hooded jackets with the letter 'S' on the back.

After the incident, he called police from a phone box in Bramford Road before he was taken by ambulance to Ipswich Hospital where his shoulder was examined.

Officers from Suffolk police are now investigating the theft and a spokesman urged anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area or anyone with information to call them on 01473 613500.

Are you concerned about crime in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.