A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in Ipswich town centre today on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent as a man in his 60s continues to fight for his life.

The suspect is currently at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre where he is waiting to be interviewed about the alleged attack which occurred as the injured man was getting off a bus in Defoe Road.

The incident happened on the Ipswich Buses Route 10 service at around 6:05pm.

The injured man, who lives in the Whitton area, is understood to have been hurt when he was pushed from the bus after it stopped and hit his head as he fell on to the pavement.

He was taken to Ipswich Hospital for treatment, but has now been transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, which specialises in head injury trauma.

A police spokesman described his condition as “critical but stable”.

It is understood that prior to the man being injured, there had been an altercation involving several people on the bus.

Detectives are now looking at closed-circuit television images from the bus to help determine what happened.

They confirmed on Friday night that two other witnesses they wanted to speak to about the incident had now come forward.

Police said the bus stopped near to the junction with Macaulay Road. As the man went to get off he was pushed, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head, leaving him unconscious.

A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “This morning a 26-year-old man from Ipswich has been arrested and taken to the Martlesham Police Investigation Centre where he awaits questioning.

“Police have seized the bus and are reviewing CCTV footage. Officers are also doing patrols in the area and speaking with local residents and continue to appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.”

Detective chief inspector Stuart McCallum, the man leading the inquiry said two other men are still being sought by police in connection with the incident.

Officers are also supporting the injured man’s family.

Det Insp McCallum added: “We are in regular contact with family members and have offered further support. Our best wishes, thoughts and prayers are with him to make a good recovery. They are also with his family at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, those living near the scene today told of their shock.

Des Butcher, of Defoe Road, saw the aftermath of the incident, which happened around 6.05pm.

He said: “There were two ambulances and they were treating him on the floor.

“They wouldn’t let the bus move.

Malcolm Robson, managing director of Ipswich Buses, said: “It is very rare that something like this happens on one of our buses.

“It is incredibly rare to have an assault on a bus between passengers.

“It’s just good that we have got CCTV fitted and that the police have been able to download the photographs.

“The driver said it was just a normal trip and the man got pushed backwards out of the bus and must have hit his head.”

Anyone who has information in relation to the incident or who can identify the men should contact Ipswich CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.