IPSWICH: Family and friends of a man allegedly attacked in Orwell Country Park were today praying he wins his fight for life.

Although police have not identified the alleged victim, he has been named locally as Liam Rumsey.

Mr Rumsey, 21, was left with serious head injuries as a result of the alleged beating he took on Monday afternoon.

A 20-year-old man from the Ipswich area, arrested last night on suspicion of attempted murder, was the fifth to be taken in by police following the attack.

It is understood two people may have witnessed the end of the incident, which occurred in Bridge Wood, and remained with the unconscious man until the emergency services arrived.

Mr Rumsey lives in Atherton Road on the Chantry estate with his mother, brother and younger sister.

Neighbours of the family said residents would be stunned that the keen footballer had been badly hurt as well as expressing sadness for his family, saying they were well thought of in the neighbourhood.

Richard Pugh, 40, said he saw the police arrive at the house on Monday.

“There are two brothers,” he said. “I just know that they are both good lads. It is horrible.

“I have see him (Liam) down the Belstead Arms a couple of times. The whole family is very nice. All I can say is that I hope he gets better. My heart goes out to the family.”

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “They have my deepest sympathy. Words can’t describe things at times like this. It’s an awful thing to happen. I’m absolutely and totally shocked.

“Liam is just a normal young man. He is always friendly and says hello.”

Four young men from Ipswich, who were arrested in connection with the attack on Mr Rumsey, were last night released on police bail.

A 17-year-old, two 18-year-olds and a 20-year-old were questioned by officers throughout yesterday.

The quartet were arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent.

Police said Mr Rumsey suffered multiple and life-threatening injuries during the attack.

Emergency services were called just after 3.50pm. Paramedics treated Mr Rumsey at the scene, stabilising his condition before taking him to Ipswich Hospital.

He was then transferred shortly after to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he is currently being treated.

Yesterday, Anne-Marie Breach, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary said Mr Rumsey’s condition was “critical but stable”.

During the day, police cordoned off around two acres Bridge Wood, which is said to cover around 30 hectares.

A tented area was erected at the spot where the injured man was discovered.

Uniformed officers were seen being briefed, before scouring the area as part of the investigation.

Dog walker Wendy Coates said: “It was full of policemen with navy tops on and baseball caps.”

The crime scene is in a clearing towards the end of a track that leads down to a cottage from the public car park.

After the incident was reported to police on Monday, officers and Suffolk Constabulary’s helicopter were sent to the woodland to search the surrounding area.

The suspects were taken into custody at 5.10pm after being stopped in Bixley Road, near St Augustine’s roundabout. It is believed they were on foot at the time.

Two of the men arrested – aged 17 and 20 – and from Ipswich, must return to Ipswich Police Station on June 29.

The second two males, both aged 18 and from Ipswich, must return to Ipswich Police Station on June 30.

-Anyone with any information about the incident should call the Suffolk and Norfolk Major Investigation Team on 01473 613500.

-Do you know Mr Rumsey? Call The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk