A Norfolk teenager has been stabbed to death in a broad daylight attack on a busy town centre high street.
A manhunt is underway to catch two suspects, who may also hail from Norfolk, wanted following the “brazen” and “targeted” fatal stabbing of the 18-year-old.
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to Westgate Street in Ipswich on Tuesday afternoon following reports of a stabbing.
Police have now confirmed the teenager, who subsequently died from his injuries, is from Norfolk, though his identity has not been confirmed.
Floral tributes and candles have been placed at the site of the attack with one message to the 18-year-old stating: "We all love you. We will meet again some day bro."
The shocking murder occurred on one of Ipswich’s busiest shopping streets close to branches of Primark, JD Sports and Starbucks.
Immediately after the attack streets were sealed off as armed police officers and a helicopter from the National Police Air Service hunted for the two men who fled the scene.
Police have not confirmed reports on social media that they may also be from Norfolk, saying “efforts to identify and locate the suspects are ongoing”.
Investigations are likely to be centred on CCTV footage from immediately prior to the attack and to trace the suspects' movements as they fled the scene.
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.”
The attack left eyewitnesses shocked, with reports that bystanders from the nearby Starbucks rushed to give medical assistance to the teenager, while one shopper said she had been left 'shaking in fear'.
Police imposed a Section 60 Authority, giving officers extra powers to stop and search for 24 hours, but added that the “devastating murder” did not represent a wider risk.
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said he had been reassured the police investigation was thorough and that "they are getting more information by the minute".
"To have a knife attack leading to a fatality in broad daylight, in the town centre, witnessed by a number of my constituents is deeply disturbing," he added.
The attack comes after Suffolk 16-year-old Harley Barfield died after being stabbed in Haverhill last week.
Anyone with information can contact the police major investigation team using the online portal mipp.police.uk/operation/363721O09-PO1
Information can also be given quoting reference: 37/3159/23 at suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org
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