A market town community has reacted with shock and surprise following a New Year's Day attack.

Police officers were called to an address in Abbeygate Street - the town's high street - just after 6am on January 1.

The incident is understood to have happened near the Angel Hill end of the street.

Two victims, a man and a woman, suffered minor injuries and police arrested a 24-year-old man at the scene.

After being taken to West Suffolk Hospital for minor injuries, the suspect returned to the Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Harry McMenamin, of Cricks Road, West Row, was later charged with two counts of actual bodily harm and one count of criminal damage to a door in the town.


East Anglian Daily Times: Abbeygate councillor Julia Wakelam sent her best wishes to the victims, a man and a womanAbbeygate councillor Julia Wakelam sent her best wishes to the victims, a man and a woman (Image: Danielle Booden)

Councillor Julia Wakelam, who represents Abbeygate for West Suffolk Council, said it was "certainly not what you expect to happen in Bury St Edmunds".

"You generally think of this as being one of the safest places to live," she said.

"I send my best wishes to the victims and I hope they aren't too badly hurt."

East Anglian Daily Times: Peter Thompson, the Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, wanted to stress that the town is still one of the safest places to livePeter Thompson, the Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, wanted to stress that the town is still one of the safest places to live (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Town Mayor Peter Thompson also expressed his "absolute shock" at what had happened and wanted to stress the town "is still one of the safest places to live".

He added: "As far as I know there is no ongoing danger to the public. We would urge people to go about their daily business and not to change their behaviour in any way."

Detective Inspector Brett Harris said: "We are at the early stages of our investigation and enquiries are currently ongoing.

“However, we are not looking for anyone else in connection and do believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no further risk to the wider public. Officers continue to support both victims.”

There is no longer a police cordon at the scene.

East Anglian Daily Times: Abbeygate Street is full of shops, cafes and restaurants, with some residential flatsAbbeygate Street is full of shops, cafes and restaurants, with some residential flats (Image: Danielle Booden)

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information should contact Suffolk police quoting crime number 37/92/22 via the website.

People can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.

They can also call police on 101, but 999 must be used in the event of an emergency.