MP Sandy Martin describes latest stabbing in Ipswich as ‘tragic and frightening’

Police outside Ravenswood Avenue McDonalds in Ipswich last night Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

It comes after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed close to the McDonalds restaurant in Ravenwood Avenue at around 7.30pm yesterday evening.

The teenager is currently in hospital in a critical condition. Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Mr Martin warned people against carrying weapons, saying that ‘no one is safer if they carry a knife’.

“It is tragic and it is frightening,” he said.

Police remain at the scene of McDonalds in Ravenswood this morning Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

“Just yesterday, about an hour before this third stabbing took place, I was busy telling people that I thought the second stabbing was just a tragic coincidence.

“I don’t know the circumstances, it’s too soon.

“But whether or not there’s a link, clearly there’s more to be done that we even thought three weeks ago.

“I am convinced that after the tragic death of Tavis Spencer-Aitkens police are taking this as seriously as they need to but I am not convinced they have the resources they need to get the necessary level of intervention.”

He said he was having regular meetings with police, the borough and county councils to see what more can be done.

“We have to work together if we are going to achieve anything,” he said.

“We are all speaking the same language and discussing possible interventions.

“There are certain things that have gone wrong in the past we need to make sure we get right in the future.

“I will continue to do what I can to make sure the national Government gives police the funding it needs.”

Asked what his message to the people of Ipswich was in light of the recent events, Mr Martin said: “I have heard people say ‘why are you carrying on saying the same thing’ but that is because it remains true.

“No one is safer if they carry a knife and parents need to know what their children are doing.”