Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said he will be holding talks with Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore about the rise in violent crime in Suffolk’s county town.
The Conservative MP was speaking after reports of shooting in Fuchsia Lane, an arson in Dandalan Close and a firearm being discharged at a property in Nacton Crescent, all of which occurred overnight and could possibly be connected.
Three people are currently under arrest after the Fuchsia Lane incident.
Last night’s issues are the latest in a six-month catalogue of violent offences which have seen three alleged murders, stabbings, an alleged attempted rape and two gunpoint muggings.
Mr Gummer said: “Like everyone else in Ipswich I have been increasingly concerned by these incidents.
“I was particularly horrified by the sex assault in Rope Walk and by the stabbings which have left three people dead.
“I am having a conversation with the Police and Crime Commissioner about what will be required to ensure we put an end to this.
“It is particularly frustrating as we have done well over the last six or seven years in bringing crime down in Ipswich and if we don’t find a quick resolution to this spate we will undo the good work that has been done by police and others across the town.”
Police have warned for at least two years that there has been a harder edge filtering in to the drug scene in Ipswich with the London gangs involved in the town prepared to use more forceful methods than in the past.
Acknowledging that drugs are likely to have played a part in many of the violent crimes in Ipswich over the past six months Liz Harsant, councillor for Holywells Ward, said she was worried about what is going on.
Mrs Harsant, who is a member of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “We will be looking at all these incidents. I think it is really concerning.
“I know the police are running a big operation on drugs.
“People are worried in my ward. People are a little bit apprehensive about walking around the town. It’s a little bit worrying because you could get involved unintentionally.
“I think the police are doing a wonderful job. Considering they have had to face cutbacks they do a fantastic job.
“It’s not going to be solved overnight.”
Mrs Harsant said residents must also play their part and inform police of drug-dealing or any suspicious activity.
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