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Man bailed after suspected arson attack on Portman Road in Ipswich

News

A 24-year-old man from Felixstowe has been released on bail following a suspected arson attack in Ipswich that left two people hospitalised.

The big picture: Six people escaped a house fire on Portman Road early Tuesday morning in what police believe was a targeted attack. Two residents suffered leg fractures after jumping from an upstairs window.

A burnt out window of a house on Portman Road
A glimpse into the damage caused by the arson attackOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details:

  • The fire broke out just before 5:20 on Tuesday, 13 August

  • Four people escaped uninjured, while two were taken to hospital

  • 11 residents from neighbouring properties were evacuated

  • Police are treating the incident as suspicious

What's next: The suspect has been bailed until 12 November 2024. Police have set up a crime scene and are appealing for witnesses or anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area before the fire.

How to help: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Landmark House in Ipswich, quoting reference 45775/24. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The bottom line: This suspected arson attack has left two people injured and disrupted the lives of nearby residents. Police are urging the community to come forward with any information that could aid their investigation.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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