A MURDER inquiry was under way today and a community was in shock after a young man was brutally murdered in broad daylight.As police began to piece together how the 20-year-old was killed, it emerged that the victim was found with stab wounds behind a row of shops just off Home Farm Lane, near The Macebearer pub, in Bury St Edmunds shortly after noon yesterday.

A MURDER inquiry was under way today and a community was in shock after a young man was brutally murdered in broad daylight.

As police began to piece together how the 20-year-old was killed, it emerged that the victim was found with stab wounds behind a row of shops just off Home Farm Lane, near The Macebearer pub, in Bury St Edmunds shortly after noon yesterday.

The man, who is thought to have been a regular at the pub, died of his wounds upon arrival at West Suffolk Hospital.

Suffolk police confirmed a murder inquiry was under way and said they were searching for a white Ford Transit van in connection with the crime.

Det Chief Insp Dave Skevington said: “The victim was involved in violent struggle which may have been seen by shoppers or passers-by. Anyone with information is being urged to get in contact.”

A police cordon was set up around Hardwick Lane, Mayfield Road and Home Farm Lane.

Det Chief Insp Skevington said: “We are trying to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of the shops at this time and may have seen a white Ford Transit.”

Yesterday afternoon scenes of crime officers combed the area. Detectives leading the inquiry confirmed the death was being treated as “suspicious”, and urged anyone with information to get in touch.

Residents of the quiet and leafy neighbourhood where the attack happened spoke of their shock.

Mark Gaudi,, 36, who arrived to collect his children from Hardwick Primary School to find a heavy police presence in the area, said: “It is strange something like this has happened round here - it is unheard of.

“I used to work in the Macebearer and I have never heard of anything like this. We used to have a few drunken fights but no other problems other than that.”

Mark Stewart, 38, said: “I live just up the road and I come here every day.

“It is shocking and there is a school nearby so I am not surprised people are worried.

“I work with children and young people who have committed misdemeanours and although threats are common actual violence is rare.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called at 12.20pm to Home Farm Lane, to reports from the ambulance service that a man was seriously injured.

“The man was taken to the West Suffolk Hospital, where he died. Police have cordoned off the scene, and investigations are ongoing.”

Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact police on 01284 774100.

Did you witness this incident? Call The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.