FLASH mobs broke out at key points around the town today as women united against violence.

St Valentine’s Day has been branded an international day of action by the One Billion Rising campaign, which raises awareness of various types of violence against women including cultural traditions like genital mutilation.

Members of various women’s groups around Ipswich took part in flash mobs at UCS, the Waterfront and Giles Circus, while similar events were held across the globe.

Shoppers stopped and gazed at the mesmerising site of around 50 women, many dressed in red, dancing in the street to an energetic routine. Others joined in with the routine, and one women even managed to complete the routine with a baby strapped to her front.

Kaz Garrad and Gemma Smith, of Liberty Dance, Felixstowe, said they were pleased with the reaction.