POLICE launched a major operation at one of Ipswich's showpiece Waterfront penthouses today after reports that a man had suffered stab injuries.

POLICE launched a major operation at one of Ipswich's showpiece Waterfront penthouses today after reports that a man had suffered stab injuries.

Three men have been arrested after armed police were dispatched to the Cardinal Lofts block on College Street at about 6.45am.

Police were called after an incident at a party in a flat on the ninth floor of the complex, entirely taken up by a two-bedroom penthouse which was on the market for £300,000.

Police officers and an ambulance crew were called to the flats after a call from a member of the public.

Part of the road system around the Waterfront was sealed off as more than half a dozen police cars parked up outside the building.

Two men were seen to be led away by police shortly before 8am and officers were seen peering over the penthouse balcony, apparently looking for something.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police later confirmed a total of three arrests were made.

A 22-year-old man from Ipswich was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm while a 29-year-old man from Ipswich and a 26-year-old man from London were both arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm.

They are currently being questioned at Ipswich police station.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said a medical crew treated two people at the scene, describing the injuries as “minor”.

Evening Star crime reporter Josh Warwick, who lives in Cardinal Lofts, contacted emergency services, after being woken by a knock at the door early today.

He said: “I wondered what was going on. The woman was standing there quite upset and said there had been a stabbing and there was lots of blood everywhere.

“She asked me to call the police. It was quite concerning.”

Archant employee Mick Calvesbert said he could see lights on in the top floor penthouse and what appeared to be a party going on at about 4.30am.

He said: “You could hear shouting and hollering and the music was turned up.

“They were making a hell of a row.

“They were having a good old time by the sounds of it.”