Police hunt after attacker strikes

A MYSTERY attacker hit up to six people who were walking through Ipswich in the morning rush hour.

Witnesses told police that a man wearing a woolly hat weaved in and out of the road and struck passers-by on Tuesday morning.

A 37-year-old man was hit in Star Lane shortly after 8.30am and the victim later said that he saw four more people being struck.

Then at 9.35am a woman was hit by a man, who she said growled at her, and then ran off in the direction of the Old Cattle Market bus station.

A motorist in Star Lane who saw the first incident said the attack seemed random.

Steve Pinder-Banthorpe, 49, said: “The man was flinging his arms about and pulling strange faces. As he passed the woman he flung his right arm at her and hit her on the chest, making her take some steps backwards.

“He was running in a strange way with his arms open wide.

“The woman was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The man ran off towards St Peter's Street.”

Mr Pinder-Banthorpe, a driving instructor, of Jasmine Close, said he didn't stop his vehicle because someone had come to the woman's aid already.

Several other motorists would have seen the attack, he added.

The first victim described the attacker as white and in his early thirties, 6ft tall, of slim build and wearing a mustard yellow woolly hat, a beige coat, light blue jeans and brown trainers.

He was also holding a blue carrier bag.

The second victim described the man who hit her as white and wearing a woolly hat, looking wrinkly, wearing a yellow jacket that was possibly a waterproof.

A witness who called police said the attacker was running in and out of the road and talking to himself.

Police said neither of the people who said they were hit had wanted to make a complaint to officers.

Anyone with information on the incidents should contact Pc David Wright of the Ipswich neighbourhood response team on 01473 613500.