AWARD-winning drugs charity the Iceni Project is facing extinction today after it was announced its funding has been cut.

The Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) Partnership has chosen Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI) and Open Road as the successful bidders for new contracts to deliver drug and alcohol addiction treatment in Suffolk.

In a statement, the DAAT said: “The announcement follows a rigorous scoring process to award the tender, which included evaluation from current and ex clients. The DAAT partnership Board was unanimous in accepting the outcome.”

The decision is likely to spell the end for Iceni unless it can secure funding from other sources.

Set up in 1998, the charity - which gained nationwide acclaim following the murders of five Ipswich sex workers - has helped turn dozens of lives around.

Director and founder Brian Tobin, who is today coming to terms with the news, said he had been overwhelmed by the support the charity had received in recent weeks.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Kitching, vice chairman of Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), said: “The DAAT partnership looks forward to working with the new providers, and those currently providing services to ensure that people in Suffolk receive the best treatment and support during the transfer period.

“Current services are highly regarded in Suffolk and I am convinced that the new providers will be able to further improve on the quality and scope of services offered within Suffolk.”