THERE is a chill in the crisp autumn air as police officers guard the cordon surrounding the scene of a grizzly murder today.

Detectives have cordoned off the front and back of the Chesterton Close block, including the area between the flats and the patch of woodland hiding the estate from cars trundling to and fro along Cambridge Drive.

Passers-by can see the occasional glimpse of specialist forensic examiners between the trees of the wooded area, as they continue their search for clues to the attacker who struck just before dawn.

A 43-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the heroic efforts of police and paramedics who tried to resuscitate him.

The attack has sent shock waves through the community, with neighbours gathering to talk of their horror at such an attack happening on their doorstep.

Several residents reported being woken by a woman’s screams at around the time of the attack, shortly before 5am today, and spotted police officers giving chase around the back of the council-built flats.

Officers have since arrested a 21-year-old man from Ipswich on suspicion of murder, and are holding him for questioning at Martlesham police investigation centre.

- Have you been affected by this incident? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk to share your feelings about the attack.