Community leaders have said they are “concerned” after a man was injured in a knife attack at a sports center in Ipswich. The victim was attacked at Gainsborough Sports Centre, in Braziers Wood Road, at around 4pm on Saturday. Police said he was set upon by a group of people wearing balaclavas, with the suspects then fleeing the scene through the sports field car park. As it became known, the incident happened during a football match. The victim, who is in his 20s, was taken to hospital for treatment with injuries to his arm and hip, but was later released. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm at around 6pm later that day. Another boy, aged 15, was also arrested at around 8pm. Both were questioned by detectives at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre. It is the latest stabbing or stabbing incident in Ipswich this year. This includes a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed by a man in Chantry in March and a 17-year-old injured after an attack in Princes Street, near the city centre, last month. Liz Harsant, who represents Gainsborough on Suffolk County Council, called for more police protection in south-east Ipswich after the incident. Liz Harsant is Suffolk County Councilor for Gainsborough in Ipswich – Credit: Archant He said: “This is really worrying. I’m worried about it as people who used to play football might be put off going there now. “I think it will bring the issue of knife crime to the fore. It’s awful and the police should do something about it. “This is serious and south east Ipswich needs to be policed.” Lynne Mortimer, Ipswich councilor for Gainsborough, added: “This is distressing news and my immediate thoughts are with the stabbing victim and his loved ones. Lynne Mortimer, Ipswich councilor for Gainsborough – Credit: Archant “I am grateful for the prompt action of the first responders and my thoughts are also with them, the staff at the sports center and the public who witnessed this shocking incident.” Anyone with information about the incident at Gainsborough Sports Center is asked to contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference number 37/50294/22.
