Police warning after tickets stolen

POLICE on both sides of the Suffolk/Norfolk border are today investigating the theft of hundreds of tickets for Sunday's derby match between Ipswich and Norwich at Portman Road.

The tickets went missing while they were on their way from Ipswich to Carrow Road and are believed to have turned up on a housing estate in Norwich.

They are all for seats in the visitors' section of the Cobbold Stand, and have been cancelled by the football club.

Turnstile operators at Portman Road have been warned about the theft – and no one with stolen tickets will be allowed into the game on Sunday.

Suffolk police had a blunt message to Norwich fans who may have one of the stolen tickets:

"The game is sold out for Norwich fans. If you do not hold a valid ticket, do not travel," said Supt Carl Puiy from Ipswich police.

The derby clash is a sell-out, but if Town win a race against time then more tickets in the North Stand may become available for the game – but for Town fans only.

The next stage in the completion of the North Stand is close to be finalised and the Club are hoping to have achieved that in time for the derby match.

Some extra tickets went on sale at the start of this week, but they were all snapped up.

There could be a few more sold if work on the North Stand is finished within the next two days.

Town's Ticketing Manager John Ford said: "At the moment, the Norwich game is a sell-out, but work is on-going in the North Stand and if the next stage is completed in time – and it could be as late as Friday – then extra tickets may become available for the derby match.

"It's going to be tight and we shall have to wait and see what happens but as soon as we get clearance to use more seats it will be announced on the club website and on the ticket office telephone line."

Fans who can't get into the ground can still see the match which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports and will be screened at pubs around the area.