By Mark HeathPOLICE cordoned off part of a busy street following a double stabbing that left two men in hospital with serious injuries.The drama unfolded at about 5.

By Mark Heath

POLICE cordoned off part of a busy street following a double stabbing that left two men in hospital with serious injuries.

The drama unfolded at about 5.40pm yesterday in the Blockbuster video store car park in Berners Street, Ipswich.

It is believed the two men, who have not yet been named by police, became embroiled in a heated argument that led to them attacking each other.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: "We were called at 5.40pm to an altercation involving two men, who are both believed to be in their mid-30s.

"Police and ambulance crews attended and found the men, one with three stab wounds and the other with two stab wounds.

"Both men were taken to Ipswich Hospital with serious injuries, although they are not thought to be life-threatening. We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward and contact us."

The car park, which is above the Blockbuster store, was cordoned off with police tape, while officers also sealed off a 100-metre stretch of the street which runs past the scene.

The Grosvenor Hotel stands next to the car park and a member of staff, who did not want to be named, said they had heard the argument develop.

"We did hear an argument going on over a pregnant woman at about 5pm. It seemed there were two men arguing over who loved the woman most and we decided not to get involved," he added.

"We didn't actually see the incident. We only knew that something had happened when we saw a guy lying on the ground in the car park. It's a very big shock to have something like that happen so close to us."

The Blockbuster store was closed indefinitely by police at about 5.45pm and staff had to stand outside collecting videos, DVDs and games from members of the public who were returning them.

Store staff said they could not comment about what had happened.

Further down the road, as police and ambulance sirens blared, Carlton Hotel owner Mumtaz Hussain stood outside his building with other concerned residents.

He said: "We were inside the hotel when it happened. My friend came running in and told me that there was something going on.

"We all came rushing out and it didn't take long to see it was something which had happened in the car park.

"It's a massive shock for this to happen, especially in this street. Normally round here people get shocked if somebody is swearing loudly, so I can't believe this. I just hope it's not anyone we know."

Anyone with information about the incident should call Det Sgt Paul Barber, of Ipswich police, on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

mark.heath@eadt.co.uk