Three teenage boys were last night being questioned by police after a teenager was stabbed in Ipswich yesterday afternoon.

Ipswich Star: Police cordoned off part of Moffat Avenue in Ipswich after a reported stabbing. Picture: GREGG BROWNPolice cordoned off part of Moffat Avenue in Ipswich after a reported stabbing. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Emergency services, including eight police cars and an air ambulance, were called to Moffat Avenue after a reported fight broke out at 3.50pm (May 17).

A teenage boy was taken to Ipswich Hospital. It is understood he was stabbed in the chest.

One eyewitness told this newspaper that the boy’s T-shirt was covered in blood and was shouting “get me to the hospital”.

Last night, police said the boy had not sustained life-threatening or life-changing injuries. He had received hospital treatment and was conscious and breathing.

Soon after arriving at the scene, police arrested three teenage boys on suspicion of affray in connection with the incident.

They were last night being questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre. This morning one 17-year-old boy remains in custody, with the other two released. It is not known if they were released under investigation.

Ipswich Star: Forensic teams at the scene after an assault in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWNForensic teams at the scene after an assault in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The eyewitness, who did not want to be named, added that he heard shouting and went outside and saw two groups of teenagers in a confrontation. At least one of them was on a bike.

He then saw a fight between two of them. Moments later, one of the teenagers was on the floor, with his T-shirt covered in blood.

The eyewitness said the injured boy’s friends were trying to keep him calm, while two youths left the scene.

Ipswich Star: The scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANTThe scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

“I have lived here 50 years and never seen anything like it,” he said. “It is scary, having kids walking around with knives.

“There have been a lot of stabbings in Ipswich recently. It’s a national problem. My generation, we used to settle things with a few punches.”

Another witness, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was chaotic. Loads of people were outside wondering what was going on.

Ipswich Star: The scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANTThe scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

“It is a big shock. There has got to be a reason behind it. I would like to see extra police here now.”

Another added: “It’s concerning it’s happened on your doorstep.”

An ambulance spokesman said paramedics treated “a teenage boy with a suspected chest injury”.

Ipswich Star: The scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANTThe scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: “Police were called at around 3.50pm (yesterday) to reports of a fight in Moffat Avenue. A teenage boy had sustained what’s thought to be a stab wound. He (was) taken to Ipswich Hospital.”

Witnesses are urged to come forward. To help police, call 101, quoting CAD 295 of yesterday.

Ipswich Star: The scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANTThe scene of a suspected stabbing in Moffat Avenue, Ipswich. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)