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Police seek witnesses after Co-op store robbed in broad daylight

News

Suffolk Police are appealing for information after four men robbed an Ipswich Co-op store on Wednesday afternoon, stealing cigarettes, scratch cards and cash. No one was injured during the incident.

The big picture: A burglary took place at the East of England Co-operative Foodstore on Clapgate Lane, Ipswich just before midday on Wednesday 21 August.

Four masked men entered the store, one looking out while the others stole items from behind the till.

Key details:

  • The incident occurred around 12pm on Wednesday

  • Four white males were involved, all wearing face coverings, dark jogging bottoms and gloves

  • They stole cigarettes, scratch cards and cash before fleeing on foot towards Landseer Road

  • No injuries were reported

Why it matters: This brazen daytime robbery highlights ongoing concerns about retail crime in Ipswich. Local shopkeepers and residents may want to be extra vigilant.

What's next: Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, quoting crime reference 37/47314/24.

How to help:

  • Contact Suffolk Police via their website or by calling 101

  • Provide anonymous tips to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online

The bottom line: While no one was hurt, the incident will likely leave local shop workers and residents unsettled. Police are keen to hear from witnesses to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

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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