The leisure centre in Crown Street was closed for around an hour this morning after police were called to reports of two men behaving suspiciously inside.

Officers investigating the incident have charged Michael Smith, 52, of Inverness Road, of Ipswich with being in possession of a bladed article and using threatening language or behaviour with intent to cause fear following the incident.

Police were called to the scene at around 6.45am this morning.

The swimming pools were not evacuated and there were no injuries.

Police arrested one man, who was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Smith has since been charged and has been released on police bail. He is due to appear at Ipswich magistrates’ court on April 24.

Crown Pools is owned and operated by Ipswich Borough Council. A spokesman said: “There was an incident involving a customer at Crown Pools early this morning that resulted in police being called.

“The matter was dealt with quickly and effectively by duty staff who reopened the complex with minimal disruption to customers.”