Armed police swoop on property in east Ipswich after man is chased into shop

Armed officers and police dogs were deployed to the Woodbridge Road area of Ipswich today after a man fled to a shop when chased by two men.

Officers subsequently carried out a search of a property in Tovells Road, off Cauldwell Avenue this morning.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Police were called at approximately 9.35am by a man in his 20s who had been walking on Tomline Road and had seen four men in a car acting suspiciously.

“Two of the men got out of the car and started to chase the man. He sought help in a nearby shop and then rang police.

“Officers attended and their enquiries led them to an address in Tovells Road where a warrant was executed, and a search of the premises was made.

“A number of police units attended the incident including a police helicopter and the police dogs. Armed police also attended due to reports that the men may be carrying a weapon, however, no weapons were recovered.

“No-one was arrested and enquiries are on-going.”

One onlooker who saw the police activity said: “I was initially aware of the helicopter above us. I was visiting a friend at the time.

I was worried an officer might be in need of help so I went to check.

“At that stage I saw a police dog in the back of a vehicle.

“I also saw two or three armed response units present.

“Other units arrived as time passed. You had a couple of officers keeping an eye on a property. Eventually you had two or three officers making an entry.

“Apparently one resident said there had been various people coming and going at the house throughout the weekend.”