Two members of the public reported to police that they had seen a blood-stained man wandering near the school at around 7.20am today.

Ipswich Star: Forensic police investigate the scene of the stabbing in Dogs Head Street in Ipswich town centreForensic police investigate the scene of the stabbing in Dogs Head Street in Ipswich town centre (Image: Archant)

Officers arrived and tracked down the man at 7.40am. Suffolk Constabulary confirmed the man is being treated as a witness to the overnight stabbing in the town centre. He spoke to officers and is not being treated as a suspect.

A man in his 20s was stabbed in the neck at around 3.30am in Dogs Head Street, near Best Kebab Centre, and taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. His condition has not changed, police said this evening.

Ipswich Star: Forensic police investigate the scene of the stabbing in Dogs Head Street in Ipswich town centreForensic police investigate the scene of the stabbing in Dogs Head Street in Ipswich town centre (Image: Archant)

Police also confirmed the stabbing is being treated as an isolated incident and is not being linked to any other incident.

No arrests have been made. Police are still investigating the incident.

Ipswich Star: Forensic police investigate the scene of the stabbing in Dogs Head Street in Ipswich town centreForensic police investigate the scene of the stabbing in Dogs Head Street in Ipswich town centre (Image: Archant)

Dogs Head Street was cordoned off between the Cattle Market bus station and Lower Brook Street until around 7pm tonight. A smaller police cordon remains outside Best Kebab Centre, which is closed. Forensic investigators have been gathering evidence at the scene, including from inside the shop, throughout the day.

At least a dozen police evidence cones were also seen outside the shop.

Ipswich Star: Police at the scene of a stabbing on Dogs Head StreetPolice at the scene of a stabbing on Dogs Head Street (Image: Archant)

Business owners in the area have spoken of their shock. One shopkeeper, who did not wished to be named, said: “It is very upsetting. People have been coming in asking what happened and I have had to tell them someone was stabbed. They have all been shocked. This type of news stops you in your tracks and makes you think.

“One girl came in and said ‘what is happening to our town?’ There have been other stabbings and a rape recently. It is concerning.

“I think there will be more police out tonight and this weekend. It is normally okay around here. You get the odd thing here and there.”

Another business owner who wished to remain anonymous added: “It is very sad and shocking. Police have not spoken to us about it. I hope the man recovers well.”

Police believe an altercation which took place at around 3am in Falcon Street, which adjoins Dogs Head Street, could be connected to the stabbing. A man was seen fleeing the altercation in the direction of Upper Orwell Street.

The suspect of the stabbing is described as around 6ft tall, of slim build, with short mousey-coloured hair. He is believed to have been wearing a dark zip-up hoodie with white stripes down both arms and white outlines. His hoodie is said to have an emblem across the front. His trousers are described as dark, possibly jeans, and he was wearing light-coloured shoes.

Witnesses to the stabbing or the altercation, or anyone who has any information about either incident, is urged to call police.

Detectives are also keen to trace two other men seen with the suspect following the incident.

The first man is described as around 6ft tall, of slim build with dark floppy hair. He was wearing white jeans and has a tattoo on his neck.

The second man is described as having dark hair. He was wearing a black round-neck jumper, light jeans and black shoes.

To help police, call 101, quoting CAD 26 of today (April 7).

First Buses and Ipswich Buses are diverting some services in the area due to the road closure. Services entering the Cattle Market bus station will leave via Turret Lane and the Star Lane one-way system.