Police are treating the latest stabbing to take place in Ipswich as a ‘targeted attack’.
Officers were called to reports of a fight on Norwich Road near the junction with Deben Road at 8.07pm and later found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
He was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment for his wounds which are not thought to be life threatening.
There is currently a police cordon in place in an alleyway on Cromer Road, near to the junction with Norwich Road and Deben Road.
Police have confirmed that the victim was attacked by “a group of three or more males”, and are treating the stabbing as targeted.
Colin Wright, Ipswich Borough councillor for the Whitehouse ward, which covers Cromer Road, reassured residents that the council was working to keep Ipswich safe.
He said: “I can confirm that community safety is always something the borough takes seriously and we have and continue to work closely with the police in such matters.
“Regards this specific case I cannot make any comments until more information is known and the investigations are completed.
“I can assure the local residents in my ward and the wider Ipswich area that we at the borough continue to undertake actions to keep Ipswich a safe place to live.”
Mother-of-four Samantha Marples, who lives near to the scene of the stabbing, said the area was “scary for any parent”.
Speaking about violent crime in the town, Ms Marples said: “I find it worrying that it’s becoming a trend, not just in Ipswich but across the whole of the UK.
“This end of town is scary for any parent, that’s why I send my 15-year-old to an out-of-catchment high school.
“I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous as there are far worse places however there are a few areas I wouldn’t walk around alone. Ipswich definitely has got worse since I was a teenager, that I can say.”
A resident of nearby Westbourne Road said local people would be shaken by the news.
He said: “We always get worried if we see a police car on our road because it is something that never happens.”
Ipswich Borough councillor Glen Chisholm, who is also responsible for the Whitehouse ward, said he is yet to receive full details of the incident – but stressed that a lot of work is taking place behind the scenes to improve opportunities for young people in the town.
Mr Chisholm said: “I can understand why people are concerned, but we are just waiting for more information to come in.
“There is so much going on behind the scenes to try and improve opportunities for young people.
“More needs to be done to improve opportunities and aspirations.”
A spokesperson for Suffolk police said: “Police were called just before 8.10pm to reports that a man had been attacked in the area of Cromer Road.
“The victim was attacked by a group of three or more males. His injuries, including stab wounds, are not considered life-threatening.
“There is currently a police scene in place at the junction of Cromer Road and Norwich Road.
“This would appear to be a targeted attack and there is no obvious increased risk to the wider public.
“Any witnesses to the incident or persons who were in the area with Dash Cam are asked to contact South CID at Landmark House on 101 quoting reference CAD 410 of 24 August.
“Alternatively contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
This is the latest in a serious of violent crimes in Ipswich.
Earlier this year 17-year-old Tavis Spencer-Aitkens was fatally wounded in an incident on Packard Avenue.
Check this site for updates.
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