Mystery still surrounds a suspected robbery in Woodbridge yesterday which saw a shopping centre in the middle of the town cordoned off.

East Anglian Daily Times: The scene outside Ashleigh Jewellers in Woodbridge, following a burglary this evening.The scene outside Ashleigh Jewellers in Woodbridge, following a burglary this evening. (Image: Archant)

Suffolk police were called to the Turban Centre off the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, at 4.30pm to reports of a robbery at a jeweller’s store.

Officers, aided by the force helicopter, descended on the town in response to the member of the public’s call.

Geoff Holdcroft, Woodbridge town mayor, said yesterday: “I’m obviously very shocked about a violent crime in Woodbridge at that time of the day.

“I’m shocked that it happened right in the heart of the town. Just last night the town council had discussed crime figures, which were low in the town centre.

East Anglian Daily Times: The scene outside Ashleigh Jewellers in Woodbridge, following a burglary this evening.The scene outside Ashleigh Jewellers in Woodbridge, following a burglary this evening. (Image: Archant)

“I certainly didn’t expect to hear about that right in the heart of the town.

“I think it’s very rare and very shocking, it’s not the sort of thing we normally see in a town like Woodbridge.”

However Mr Holdcroft was keen to reassure the public.

He added: “As a town council we do part-fund a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) so we are aware of crime and we are vigilant about that.

“There’s also the discussion of the police station in the town, we’re keen to keep a presence in the town.

“People may ask why we need one, but we obviously do. We’re very happy to part fund the PCSO.

“I’m very concerned about the people in the shop and any passers-by traumatised by the event.

“I will be talking to my fellow town councillors and district councillors about it.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.