The teenager killed in a stabbing in Ipswich yesterday has been named locally.
Tavis Spencer Aitkens is understood to have been the 17-year-old who died after suffering multiple stab wounds in Pakard Avenue, in the Nacton area of Ipswich.
Many young people could be seen heading to the Nansen Road end of Packard Avenue to leave floral tributes earlier today.
Other people, commenting on Facebook, have expressed their sympathies to the teenager’s family.
Suffolk police have moved to reassure residents that there will be an increase in patrols across the town following the launch or a murder inquiry.
A 41-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident last night remains in police custody for questioning.
A statement released by Suffolk police this afternoon confirmed that there would be an increased police presence across the town for the remainder of the week.
Packard Avenue remains closed today as the police investigation continues and officers have been undertaking numerous enquiries since the attack occurred.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Brown, of the major investigation team, said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this cowardly and violent attack, or who was in the local area and saw any suspicious persons or activity yesterday afternoon, to contact us immediately.
“Our detectives are already pursuing numerous lines of enquiry as we work to identify and locate the people responsible for this horrendous crime.
“Although we believe this to have been a targeted incident, we understand it will have caused a great deal of concern to the local community, so as a result residents can expect to see a heightened police presence over the coming days.”
Officers were called by the ambulance service at 4.50pm yesterday afternoon, Saturday, June 2, to reports that a 17-year-old boy had been stabbed in Packard Avenue.
The victim was taken to Ipswich Hospital for treatment where he later died.
Detectives currently believe that this was a targeted attack and initial witness reports stated that the victim was walking back from the shops in Queen’s Way when he was approached by two males on bicycles who attacked him. They were then joined by four to five other males who further assaulted him, before all the offenders then fled the scene.
Police confirmed that there will be an increased police presence across Ipswich for the remainder of this weekend and into next week, with additional patrols carried-out in the vicinity of the attack to provide reassurance to those living and working in the area.
Officers will also be linking-in with community leaders to address the concerns of local residents.
Police are particularly keen for anyone with CCTV, dash cam or mobile phone footage from the area of Queen’s Way, Packard Avenue, Rands Way or Kingsway, between 12pm and 7.45pm on Saturday to make contact.
Anyone with information should call the major investigation team on 101 quoting reference CAD 306 of June 2. Alternatively call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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