A TEENAGER was stabbed to death in a "brazen" and "targeted" attack yesterday.
Suffolk Police rushed to Ipswich town centre at 3.35pm to reports of a knifing in front of horrified shoppers.
The victim, 18, is believed to have staggered into a card shop before being helped by members of the public.
It is thought he died at the scene.
Armed officers and a helicopter from the National Police Air Service led the search for two male suspects allegedly involved in the assault who fled the scene.
One headed towards Providence Street and the other was seen making off towards the Cornhill.
A section of Westgate Street remains closed off around the crime scene.
Witnesses last night described the "horrific" scenes.
One local shop worker said: "I heard a commotion and when I looked out I saw this person on the ground surrounded by emergency services trying to revive him.
"An old lady told me that he had been stabbed in the street and had managed to get into the card shop to try and get help.
"He was being treated just outside the shop and was later put into an ambulance. It was a horrific sight."
A woman who had been out shopping when the events unfolded added that her friend had been left "shaking in fear".
A Section 60 Authority giving officers extra powers to stop and search began at 4.59pm for a period of 24 hours.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick said: "This was a brazen attack in the town centre which will have caused great distress to anyone who witnessed it.
"Whilst inquiries are at an early stage, we believe this to be a targeted attack.
"There will be an increased police presence in Ipswich this evening and over the coming days to provide reassurance to local residents and businesses."
Witnesses are asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, quoting reference CAD 245 of January 17.
Information can be provided via 101 or anonymously by using independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Huge BBC show cancelled suddenly – leaving fans gutted
Former Spurs defender dies aged 25 in Miami boat crash as game mourns
Couple starved children & fed them soap before hatching sick plot to cover tracks
Asda shoppers rush to buy £2.50 item to keep warm without putting heating on
©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. “The Sun”, “Sun”, “Sun Online” are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers’ Limited’s Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries, Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/