Police will conducting extra patrols and have been granted additional powers to stop and search people in Felixstowe following an assault in Ipswich.

Special powers have been granted to police from now until 5pm on Sunday in the resort and other areas between Felixstowe and Ipswich following an attack on a teenager.

The incident occurred between 2pm and 2.10pm this afternoon, Saturday 20 November, in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church in Back Hamlet.

A teenage boy was assaulted by another male, sustaining injuries to his leg. The suspect then made off from the scene in a waiting car, which is believed to have contained at least two other people.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment, with the injuries not considered to be life-threatening or life-changing. Detectives believe that the victim was known to his assailant and as such there is no wider threat to the community. Officers are currently making enquiries to locate the suspect.

Additional visible patrols will be carried out in Ipswich and the surrounding areas in a bid to offer reassurance to local communities. As a matter of precaution, a Section 60 has been authorised, which is in place for a 24-hour period beginning at 5pm today until 5pm tomorrow, Sunday 21 November.

This covers the whole of Ipswich and a number of surrounding areas, extending from Bramford in the north-west to Martlesham in the north-east, encompassing all of Felixstowe and the majority of the Colneis Peninsula to the south-east, across to Copdock in the south-west.

As part of the powers, officers will be allowed to stop and search without reasonable grounds, but where there is a risk of violence or a belief weapons are being carried, within the area marked by on the attached map.

Officers are keen to point out that while there is no perceived risk to the wider public, there is an increased risk of violence between parties either directly involved/associated with the incident.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information about this incident, is asked to contact South CID at Landmark House in Ipswich, quoting reference: 65671/21.