IPSWICH: Police are investigating two incidents in the town in the early hours of yesterday morning involving guns that are thought to be connected.

The first incident took place at about 2.40am when two males, who were walking along St Helens Street when they heard five “pop” noises, before one of the men was hit in the ankle with what is believed to be a BB gun pellet.

A police spokesman said: “Before the incident the males saw a vehicle drive past Majors Corner and then slow down, it is believed this is where the shots came from.

“Following this, at around 2.50am a man and a woman were walking along Norwich Road. When they got to the junction with Rayleigh Road a large silver Chrysler, possibly a Chrylser 300c, which is similar in appearance to a Bentley, stopped at the corner of Rayleigh Road.

“The driver of the vehicle got out and threatened the female with a handgun, asking for her purse. The victim did not hand anything over and the driver got back into the car.

“A second male was seen at the rear passenger door. The vehicle then drove off in the direction of Asda.

“Police would also like to trace the driver of a dark coloured vehicle, possibly a Honda Civic, which was in the area at the time and may have information.”

Police believe the two incidents are related and have asked for anyone who saw the silver Chrysler in the Ipswich area between these times or who may have information in relation to these incidents to contact Detective Sergeant Darren Bruce of Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.