Another substantial section of Ipswich’s former police station has come as demolition contractors were able to close part of Civic Drive on Sunday to carry out the work.

Crowds gathered outside a safety cordon to watch staff from contractors RG Carter continue with the demolition work on the building which had been at the heart of policing in Ipswich since 1968.

It was finally emptied last year after the last officers moved out to the new police station in Museum Street just around the corner.

Most of the staff who had worked there transferred to the new joint police and county council offices in Landmark House on the north west corner of the town.

The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the summer and the site, which is owned by Ipswich council, is likely to become a temporary car park – at least while the Crown Car Park is closed next year to have a new multi-storey park built.

Ultimately the site may be added to the neighbouring site that used to be home to the Civic Centre to create a larger redevelopment opportunity for new homes and specialist shops linked to the New Wolsey Theatre.