Ipswich stabbing death: 'Numerous inquiries' in town centre murder probe

Police were called to Westgate Street on Tuesday afternoon and sealed off the section that contains Marks & Spencer, Primark and the old Debenhams building

Police said "numerous inquiries" were taking place after an 18-year-old man died after a stabbing in Ipswich town centre in broad daylight.

Suffolk Police believe the attack on Westgate Street at 15:35 GMT on Tuesday was "targeted".

Supt Andy Martin confirmed the man was from Norfolk, but was unable to provide more details as there was "still a lot of information to go through".

"There are two outstanding suspects, which we are seeking," he said.

"There are numerous inquiries taking place, thanks to the witnesses that have come forward and the volume of CCTV we're trawling."

Ipswich Central CEO Sophie Alexander-Parker says more can be done in the town centre

Ipswich Central, which represents town businesses, called for a greater police presence to "prevent a reoccurrence".

Suffolk Police said it had "significantly increased" its presence in the town centre in the preceding months.

Ipswich Central said: "The fact that an incident of this seriousness can happen in our county town in broad daylight must be a huge wake up call to the chief constable, the police and crime commissioner and all involved in keeping our town centre safe."

It urged all stakeholders to "urgently" convene to discuss "increasing the police presence in Ipswich and explore any other measures to prevent a reoccurrence".

"This incident should never have happened. We must do everything in our power to ensure this is never repeated," it added.

Flowers have been left at the scene of the incident

The incident happened between the Cornhill and Museum Street, a main thoroughfare of High Street shops including Marks & Spencer and Primark.

Officers are looking for two suspects, one who headed towards Providence Street and the other towards the Cornhill.

People in the town expressed their concern, describing the attack as "shocking" and saying they no longer felt safe there.

Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, said he had spoken to the chief constable about the incident.

The Conservative said: "I will be meeting with stakeholders to discuss what we need to do collectively to ensure our county town is safe for everyone.

"My commitment to making Ipswich safer will continue but no one organisation can do this alone, we need to work together and with the community."

Tim Passmore, the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, echoed the police's appeal for witnesses to the stabbing

Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: "Our 24/7 Emergency Services Centre Team have been supporting the Suffolk Constabulary by monitoring our extensive CCTV provision and will continue to provide support for as long as needed."

The Labour councillor said the authority would work with local businesses, community partners and the emergency services to develop new initiatives to keep our town safe.

"Our initiatives have made improvements to Ipswich, but it's clear that we still have work to do alongside our partners," he added.