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Teenage stabbing reignites Ipswich knife crime strategy debate

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The stabbing of a teenager in Ipswich town centre on Saturday night has reignited debate over the council's approach to tackling knife crime, just days after a heated council discussion on the issue.

Why it matters: The incident has highlighted ongoing disagreements between political parties and councillors about how best to address knife crime in Ipswich.

A police cordon with a policewoman on the phone at the scene
The teenager was stabbed in St Stephen's Lane, IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture: A man in his late teens was stabbed in St Stephen's Lane on the night of Saturday, 21st September.

The assault occurred three days after councillors clashed over knife crime strategy at a full council meeting. Both have spoken out following the incident.

What Labour councillors are saying: John Cook, Labour councillor for the Alexandra ward, said: "Sadly, while people continue to carry knives, we will continue to see incidents of this kind both in Ipswich and across the country.

"Ipswich Borough Council is fully engaged in working with partners including Suffolk Police, the County Council, Probation, Youth Justice Team and district councils across Suffolk through the Suffolk Serious Violence Response Strategy to reduce knife crime."

Cllr Sam Murray and Cllr John Cook
Cllr Sam Murray and Cllr John Cook

What Conservative councillors are saying: Sam Murray, Conservative councillor for the Castle Hill ward, expressed her frustration: "As a community leader who has been lobbying for a knife crime strategy for Ipswich for 2 years now, I have gone from feeling dismayed to feeling angry.

"How many knife-related incidents does it take before decision-makers accept we need a properly thought out and comprehensive knife crime-specific strategy for Ipswich? This cannot just be our way of life now. I refuse to accept that."

Broader context:

  • At a council meeting on 18 September, Cllr Murray had asked Cllr Cook to reconsider his stance and "agree to create and publish a knife crime strategy for Ipswich."

  • Cook responded that addressing knife crime through existing partnerships was "the best approach" rather than creating a separate strategy.

Following the meeting, Murray reiterated her frustrations: "We are repeatedly told that knife crime is covered by other "successful strategies."

"I disagree. I do not believe a Suffolk-wide serious violence strategy is enough. I believe for this specific issue, being Suffolk-wide and not knife crime specific is diluting the cause and is underestimating the sheer scale and impact knife crime is having on Ipswich.

"The public need accountability. They need detailed published reports on what the plan is to rid this town of knife crime. We also need to involve the voluntary sector and local businesses."

The bottom line: The recent stabbing has intensified calls from some councillors for a dedicated Ipswich knife crime strategy, while others maintain that existing county-wide measures are sufficient.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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