A 15-YEAR-old boy has been arrested after a 57-year-old man was twice stabbed during an argument in a leafy Suffolk cul-de-sac.

A 15-YEAR-old boy has been arrested after a 57-year-old man was twice stabbed during an argument in a leafy Suffolk cul-de-sac.

Police arrived in Beech Rise in Bury St Edmunds while the incident was still ongoing at about midday yesterday.

They were called by a worried member of the public who saw an argument erupt outside in the usually quiet street.

The victim suffered two stab wounds - one to the left side of his chest and the second to his abdomen.

Paramedics took him to the nearby West Suffolk Hospital. Initially his condition was thought to be “life-threatening” but police last night said his injuries were not as serious as first feared.

Detectives recovered a knife from the scene and a 15-year-old boy, to whom the victim is related, was arrested.

Those living in the Beech Rise and Southgate Street areas told of their shock at what had happened. A number of residents, some of whom were elderly, found themselves stuck inside their homes behind a police cordon in Beech Rise. Many watched on from behind windows as police carried out forensic work.

One woman, who asked not to be named but who lives just yards from the crime scene, said: “What is it with this knife thing?

“It makes you really wonder what is going on - especially in a place like Bury. You just don't expect it.

“We do have things happen in this area - usually accidents on the roundabout - but nothing this serious has happened for quite some time.”

The resident told how her friend was one of those sealed in behind the police cordon during the hours after the stabbing took place. Police barred residents from coming or going to their homes and visitors from getting into Beech Rise.

The resident said: “My friend was really annoyed that he could not get out of the drive.”

A spokesman for the police said: “We arrived when the incident was still ongoing. Scenes of crime officers arrived and a knife was recovered.

“We have been carrying out door to door inquiries where the incident happened.”

He confirmed residents and visitors had been blocked from leaving or visiting Beech Rise because the entire area was a crime scene.

The police said they were aware of reports that the argument started over a vehicle accident but were unable to confirm the details.

The 15-year-old boy from Bury was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and was last night in custody at Bury police station.

Anybody with information should contact Bury CID on 01284 774100.