An Ipswich community leader has voiced her anger after a stabbing that seriously injured a teenager on Saturday night, while another councillor has urged anyone with information to come forward. 

Suffolk Police were called to St Stephen's Lane shortly before midnight following reports a male in his late teens had suffered two puncture wounds to his leg.

Officers believe the victim had been involved in an altercation with a group of males, one of who was carrying a knife.

Ambulances seen in St Stephen's Lane in the early hours of Sunday Ambulances seen in St Stephen's Lane in the early hours of Sunday (Image: Newsquest)

On Sunday, Cllr Sam Murray, who represents the Castle Hill ward on Ipswich Borough Council, said: "My thoughts are with the young man and his family.

"As a community leader who has been lobbying for a knife crime strategy for Ipswich for two 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." 

Cllr Sam MurrayCllr Sam Murray (Image: IBC)

Meanwhile Cllr John Cook,  who represents Alexandra Ward on Ipswich Borough Council, 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.

"I'd urge anyone with information about the attack in St Stephen's Lane last night to get in touch with the police." 

Cllr John CookCllr John Cook (Image: IBC)

Police said the victim's condition was serious but not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The suspects are described as wearing grey or dark clothing with their hoods up and are believed to have left the scene on foot, with some running in the direction of Upper Brook Street and Dial Lane.

The cordon seen on SundayThe cordon seen on Sunday (Image: Newsquest)

Officers are not treating this as a random attack and do not believe the parties involved are known to each other. 

Witnesses and people with relevant information are asked to contact Suffolk police by calling 101 and quoting reference 37/53965/24.