A top detective has made an impassioned plea for witnesses to the murder of Tavis Spencer-Aitkens to speak out, vowing to secure justice for the teenager’s heartbroken family.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Brown has issued a renewed appeal for information following the tragic death of the 17-year-old two weeks ago.
Tavis was attacked by a group of males at around 4.50pm on June 2 in Ipswich’s Packard Avenue, during which he suffered a fatal stab wound.
Officers have to date arrested eight people in connection with the incident – two have been charged with murder.
However, detectives are continuing to ask members of the public who may have any information about the attack to come forward.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Brown, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Tomorrow will mark two weeks since the tragic death of Tavis and although we have made great progress with the investigation so far, we need everyone who has information about the attack to come forward.
“We are determined to get justice for Tavis’ family and so I am directly appealing to people’s consciences that if you saw, heard, or know anything about this horrendous crime to contact us.
“Don’t stay silent. A 17-year-old boy had his life taken away in act of extreme violence and cowardice, leaving behind a devastated family who do not want other families to go through the pain they are currently experiencing.
“Just because we have arrested and charged people, we don’t want other potential witnesses to think we no longer need to hear from them, because we do. If you know something then please call us.”
Aristote Yenge 22 and from Ipswich, and a 16-year-old boy from Colchester (who cannot be named for legal reasons) have both been charged with murder. They have been remanded in custody pending their next hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on July 5.
Five other people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. They were: three men aged 41, 20 and 18, released on bail until July 4; and a 23–year-old man and 17-year-old boy, released on bail until June 27.
A 36-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation after being questioned by detectives.
Detectives are particularly appealing for anyone with CCTV, dash cams, or mobile phone footage, who were in the area of Packard Avenue, Queen’s Way, Rands Way or Kings Way, between 12pm and 7.45pm on June 2 to make contact.
Increased police patrols will continue across Ipswich over the weekend and into next week to offer reassurance to the local community.
The police pod on the Nacton estate near to the junction of Packard Avenue and King’s Way remains in place, allowing members of the public to speak to police officers directly.
The mobile police station will be in various locations across Ipswich over the coming weeks, including in Hening Avenue, Ravenswood on June 16 and in Dickens Road on June 17.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team by visiting the online portal or calling 101 and quoting reference 30192/18.
Alternatively, contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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